Ep 10. Redemption: Colorado Mule Deer

Jim Shockey's Hunting Adventures season 18 episode 10, titled "Redemption: Colorado Mule Deer," follows Jim on his quest for redemption in the picturesque backdrop of the Colorado mountains. After a disappointing hunt in Montana, Jim is determined to make the most of his time in Colorado and bag himself a trophy mule deer.

The episode begins with Jim en route to his hunting destination, where he meets up with his guide, Doug. Doug has been guiding hunts in the area for quite some time and knows the land and wildlife like the back of his hand. Jim is excited to have Doug's expertise on his side and hopes that together they can make this hunt a success.

The first day of the hunt comes and Jim and Doug head out to scout the area. As they make their way through the rugged terrain, they come across some promising signs - fresh tracks and droppings of mule deer. Jim decides to set up a blind in the area and wait for the deer to show up. Hours pass by, but no deer appear. Jim is starting to get restless, but Doug assures him that they need to be patient and wait for the right moment.

The next day, Jim and Doug head out early in the morning to cover more ground. They hike through rocky terrain and across streams, scanning the area for any signs of movement. After hours of hiking, they come across a mule deer grazing in the distance. Jim immediately gets into position and lines up his shot. But just as he's about to take the shot, the deer senses danger and bolts off. Jim is disappointed but knows that he needs to keep trying.

The following day, Jim decides to change up his strategy and try a spot-and-stalk technique. They hike up to a vantage point, where they can survey the area below. They spot a group of mule deer in the distance and decide to make their way towards them. Jim stalks the deer for what feels like hours, inching closer and closer to them. Finally, he's in range and takes his shot. The shot hits the deer, but it runs off injured. Jim and Doug quickly follow the blood trail, determined to recover the wounded animal.

After a long and exhausting search, they finally find the deer, lying motionless on the ground. Jim approaches it, relieved to have found it, but also feeling a sense of remorse for injuring the animal. He reflects on the gravity of hunting and the responsibility that goes along with it. As he prepares to field dress the deer, he realizes the importance of respecting and honoring the animal that he has just taken.

In the end, Jim comes away with a newfound appreciation for the sport of hunting and the relationship between the hunter and the hunted. "Redemption: Colorado Mule Deer" is an authentic and humbling portrayal of the challenges and rewards of hunting and the lessons that can be learned from it.