September 12 - Jared Lurk

Hunter: Jared Lurk
Animal: 160" Velvet Mule Deer
Location: Alberta, Canada
Weapon: PSE X-Force

I’ve been looking forward to getting back to Alberta since Mark and I left last year. Not only is Alberta the big Mule Deer capital of the world, the beautiful panoramic views make Alberta the prettiest place to hunt anything. You can be hunting a seemingly endless alfalfa field, look to your left to see the snow capped Canadian Rockies, and look to your right to see a river flowing off into the distance. The indescribable beauty will leave you awe struck.

After spending the first few days getting on big Mulley after big Mulley with Mark, I was up to bat. I shot a few practice sessions with my PSE X-Force. It was hitting well, as usual, and I was ready to start the hunt. Corey Jarvis of Three Rivers Adventures (www.3riversadventures.com) had us on shooter bucks from sun up until the last stalk of the day. Around 3pm we got on a bedded Muley and closed the distance to 55 yards. He stood and gave me a perfect broadside shot. I placed my 55 yard pin center mass and let the arrow fly. The buck ran about 50 yards before hitting the ground.

Watching Mule Deer hunts it is easy to underestimate them. Muleys appear docile, slow moving, and easy to kill – but they are the furthest thing from that. For me, that’s what makes Mule Deer hunting so much fun. It is a challenge that compares to nothing else. That coupled with the great times spent with Mark and Corey have me already anticipating next year’s hunt.