Bo Jackson Knows Bucks?

By: Robert Morales

For the past few years I’ve been talking with my friend, Dave Loescher, about finding a mule deer hunt where my chances of taking a bomber buck still existed. I’ve been fortunate enough over the years to take some great bucks but lately I’ve had to dedicate more time to work rather than play. I was definitely ready to get back to a great passion that I have been absent from. Earlier this year, Dave informed me that he knew of a last minute cancellation in Old Mexico with Chad Smith of Vaquero Outfitters. I told Dave that I would talk to my hunting partner, Bob Jacobs, and see if he could go on short notice. After confirming that he could, we immediately called Chad.

During our first conversation, he told us that the hunt was initially booked for Baseball/Football great, Bo Jackson and his hunting partner, but that at the last minute they couldn’t go. He then explained that the ranch was very tough to hunt due to extremely thick and flat terrain. However, he did conclude by saying that if we were okay with not seeing a lot of deer and had some patience, that a chance at a monster buck definitely existed. Three short weeks later we were hard at it working the Sonoran Desert. The deer were in full rut and we were seeing some great bucks. I had seen one buck in particular that I definitely wanted to get a better look at. He appeared to be heavy and have some extras. About mid-week, Bob connected on a great buck with a double main beam that split into a big dropper. Seeing his success only fueled my desire to do the same.

The next morning, we awoke to find Chad in camp. He said that he had finished on another hunt and had driven all night to come help us with the remainder of our hunt. We were glad to have him in camp and it was decided that he would go with Bob to look for a big coues deer and also to keep his eyes open for me.

As I was just getting into my morning hunt, Chad and Bob came screaming back to my location. They told me that they had seen a great buck and we wasted no time in getting back to where he had been seen. We quickly had him relocated but due to the thick brush, I could not get a shot. It was obvious that Chad was excited about this deer and we next decided to make a wide circle in hopes of ambushing him as he went into an arroyo. After getting into position, Chad suddenly grabbed my arm and we hustled to a shooting lane that was 150 yards away. He said that a doe was stepping out by a large cholla and right behind her, was the big buck.

A few seconds later, just as the buck cleared the cholla, I fired. As the report of the rifle faded, Chad told me that I had just taken a monster buck! When I saw him for the first time, up close and personal, I couldn’t believe the mass and overall size of this deer! There was definitely no ground shrinkage on this one. It was a great hunt and every time I think about it I have to laugh as I realize that I owe the best buck of my life to Bo Jackson.