Aquilla-WMA

[hogslayer]

Well I walked the SE corner of Aquilla today and when I say walked the GPS showed my route was 11 miles with my gear. I hit the funnel at the confluence of the un-named creek. I got there at 8:00, as I approached the crest, looking down in the valley I saw 3 nice deer. Glassing indicated 3 does. Well as I was tired, I sat and watched them head straight toward me. At about 120 yards, I realized they were walking the trail that would lead them to within 20 yards of me and my lone cedar. I had nowhere to go so I stayed put. Glassing behind them I spotted another deer, and it was big but about 250yards away. I realized it was a buck, but at this point could not make out the rack....heart started pounding...the does were grazing and he was moving at a better rate of travel. The Does were now 110 yards according to the range finder and he was at 185...then they stopped and all looked to the southeast of their position. Taills started flagging. I knew it couldn't be me, but figured another hunter was moving as it was approaching 8:40. Didn't know how much more pounding my heart could take. Then the Does bolted straight North and the buck south passing about 90 yards to my south and clearing the 5 foot fence. Watching the tree line 3 large dogs came into view. Watched them adn saw no tags, was real tempted but with houses so close, didn't want to kill some kids dog, but boy did this tighten me up...anyway, if you don't think public land has deer, excitement and a little stress here it was in one trip!