Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Barry Wensel on November 19, 2012, 08:56:00 PM
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I had an interesting experience this morning. As most of you know I've been a whitetail fanatic for over fifty years. This morning I passed up an old warrior which I believe was the oldest whitetail I've ever seen. I obviously have no idea but he looked absolutely ancient. The big nontypical I shot last fall was 9 1/2. This buck could have been his grand daddy. His antlers had degenerated to next to nothing. They were basically massive spikes with a bunch of heavy beading and no main beam. I watched him come to me from a hundred yards. He was a "slow walker" but not because he was waiting for thermal currents. He was obviously in pain. It took him a solid fifteen minutes to walk a hundred yards. I considered doing a mercy killing because he looked in such bad shape. I got great video footage of him at fifteen yards that you'll hopefully all get to see someday. You could see the age/pain in his face and eyes. He was gaunt and having a hard time simply walking with arthritic hips and a kyphotic (humped) spine. I know he won't make the winter but you have to respect an old animal like that. I wondered what he looked like when he was in his prime; how much he weighed, how big his rack was; how many trophy bucks he sired; how many times he survived sub-zero temps with winds blowing at 25 MPH while he hunkered down under a pine as his only protection; how many red coats he made it by; the gang bangers, the inline muzzleloader guys with their "primitive" weapons with thumb hole stocks, bipods and scopes who can shoot them in the head from 200 yards. Not to menton the late season antlerless rifle shooters who pop the biggest antlerless deer from 200 yards only to find it's a shed mature buck. Then there's the packs of deer running dogs, coyotes, bobcats, increased vehicular traffic and the rednecks who just closed the bar heading home with a spotlight out the window. Harsh conditions, drought, ticks, chiggers, flies, etc. He was a true survivor. I also guarantee he watched me in the woods more times than I watched him over the years. I had plenty of time to think about the situation. I felt genuinely sorry for him. I've had to put good dogs down in the past. I hated it. I even thought about justifying the kill. But the meat would likely not even be palatable. I have a thing about old animals. I have absolutely no desire to shoot an elephant because he'd likely be older than I am. That's just me. I have a soft spot in my heart for old animals. Yes, I managed the farm he lived on. We gave him the chance to grow old by keeping it limited to bowhunting only. I was torn. I know we are supposed to be stewards of the land and the game. Maybe I'm getting soft in my older years. I felt sorry for him. Maybe I got too good of a look at his face and his eyes. I ultimately decided to let him live out his life as nature intended. As I watched him walk away I honestly got choked up. I'm still not sure I made the decision. God did good when He made bucks like that and granted us the opportunity to pursue them. BW
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nah man you did the right thing,,, seriously he earned the right to choose his last bed. if he was down thats one thing but if he's walking let him roam his trails..
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Many times hunting as with most parts of life is bittersweet. Your words always paint a vivid picture. Thanks for sharing. :campfire:
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Wow, thanks for sharing that. I try very hard to explain to non hunters that we arent simply killing machines. That summed it up nicely. Enjoy the rest of your season.
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Great story Barry. :campfire:
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:thumbsup: sure would like to see a picture of the ol man....hint...hint.
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Well said U.B. well said. :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
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would love to see a picture of the old warrior.
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Thanks for sharing Barry. I think I may have felt the same.
ChuckC
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Very nice tribute to all animals we pursue with a bow!
Thanks!
chris <><
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See, contrary to what my co worker thinks, some hunters have hearts and souls.
Barry, don't second guess your decisions, just enjoy them. He must have been some buck!
Thank you for sharing.
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That is awesome!
Where I hunt, a deer could only get that old if he was in captivity.
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Great story
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I would like to see the pics.
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Tajue said it best.... Hopefully he'll choose his last bed and go to sleep some cold night never to stir again.
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Many a person who calls themselves a hunter would not understand your thoughts on that old deer. Many others know exactly where you are coming from...........I'm glad I'm in the second bunch! :thumbsup:
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Thanks for putting words to what I would try to think to myself. :campfire: :coffee:
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Very cool post Barry...like the deer, we will all get to that point in time. When our time does comes, hopefully our children will let us fade with dignity, like you chose to do with the buck. :thumbsup:
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great story! i have a vivid picture of that buck walking his trail in my head. i would love a pic though to verify my image is accurate lol :campfire:
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That was as moving a tribute to the animals we love and pursue as I've ever read or heard. Well told and Well Done Barry. :thumbsup:
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Thanks for sharing that sir! You painted a very vivid picture for me to see. That had to be a very tough decision to let him walk. I agree with it though.
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That's a beautiful thing you wrote. Only someone that has spent hours upon hours in the woods could fully grasp the meaning of that encounter. So much more to hunting than putting an animal down. You have to respect them....and the older ones even more.....the real old ones almost deserve reverence.
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I dont believe that your choice to let him walk Barry, rests souly upon you, i like to believe that there might have been some Divine intervention that helped you make that choice.
Through many seasons of out witting all of us bow and gun toting hunters, its possible that the choice of this old guys final bedding spot will be his and his alone, allowed by the Grace of someone far greater than ourselves, as it is well deserved.
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Well said.
You made the right choice.
Having a little mercy means you got the right stuff down on the inside.
God bless you!
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Who knows the places he went,
the shelter he sought when the heavens did vent.
What joy did he know, what pain laid him low?
- The hunter may never find out -
Awesome story. While reading your post i was reminded of this passage from a poem...
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I would have let him walk too. It's odd but the older I get the less I want to kill.
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Now that is very cool Barry! Big antlers are great, and of course we would all love to shoot a buck that carries them, but getting to see an old ancient like you just did is truly more unique. What a special experience! Looking forward to the video evidence!
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Great read...made my son read what you wrote...perfect
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Awesome post, you always paint a vivid picture with your words, thanks for sharing.
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Thanks for a great story Barry.
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Barry,
Im gonna give you my medical power of attorney. Im afraid my wife may be a little too anxious to pull plug when the time comes. You have a kind heart. You did good buddy. 8-)
Rod
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Wow!Impressive!Hope to se the footage soon.I also think it was the good decision :thumbsup:
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Thank you all for these words of encouragement on my decision. It makes me feel I did something right for once. Ha. Gene just left to hunt Kansas. Supposedly he figured out how to download the footage from our camcorders to the computer. When he comes home I'll try to get him to download the pics of the buck so you guys can see him. Another interesting tidbit. My friend who was here last week hunting (the landowner) just called. I described the buck and he thinks he also saw him. He said the old guy came walking in from behind his stand. He said he apparently sensed something wasn't right. He said he then watched the buck do something he'd never seen another whitetail do before. When the old buck went on red alert he just stood still for a very long time... then, he slowly and methodically walked BACKWARDS for thirty yards, never turning his back on the potential danger. How cool is that? No wonder he got so old! bw
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wow i've never heard of a deer doing that. the creatures we hunt are absolutely amazing.
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I don't think you let old warriors walk out of sorrow, you let them walk out of respect ...... :notworthy:
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So many years observing and studying whitetail and you still learn!! How cool and fascinating is this animal?! :)
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Wow, great story Barry. It's amazing how these amazing animals can adapt.
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Great story UB!!
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Barry maybe because it takes one to know one; "As I watched him walk away I honestly got choked up. I'm still not sure I made the decision". Your decision ensures his journey is not over.
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Had a similar experience years ago during regular season - which hereabouts was slug shotguns.
I was sitting on a hedgerow and heard shots not too far off. Minutes later I heard heavy breathing and an old, grey-faced buck with just raggy old flat-spiral spikes walked up panting. I'm not at all an antler collector and any legal buck usually works for me. But this deer looked at me - I swear this is true - and I felt he knew he'd made his last mistake and was ready. Full eye contact, no question. At 15 yards I just couldn't shoot. He stood there panting and I could see no signs of a wound. In that spot it was common that two or three hunters would hit a deer as it ran along the hedgerows; sad to say. SOP was if you dropped a wounded deer and no one showed up in 20 minutes it was yours. And you can bet occasionally it got ugly.
Eventually he collected himself and went into the thick milli-flori rose and dogwood behind that hedgerow.
I admit in my early days I was pretty bloodthirsty (brown & down) and that may have been a turning point for me. I didn't see any glory in killing an animal that was spent.
Granted, nature has no kind retirement plan for the elderly and infirm, but that day it wasn't going to be me and it wasn't going to be him.
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Boy, am I gonna be in the minority here. Let me back track just a bit.
The past month I watched my best buudy of 14 years go steadily down hill. My best buddy C.J.
got to the point were arthritis wouldn't let him get up out of his bed without help most of the time. His sight was going as was his hearing. There were times he was confused and I could tell he didn't know exactly where he was.
Sure, he had day's that he was better than others. Last Monday I finally let my head over rule my heart. Last Tuesday I let him go, one of the sadest days of my life. A big hole in my heart. I know as painful as it was I made right decision, not an easy one but the right one.
Now, back to the "Old man". I know that I would have made that same decision with my heart if it had been me. But, after watching C.J. I might have thought differently. Could I have imagined that grand old man being unable to get up out of his bed, not being able to sustain himself with food and water and the end result of that. Worse, not being able to get out of his bed and being and easy meal for the coyotes. I hope not, but that's my head doing the thinking.
I suppose, if I were there I would have let my heart do the the thinking, not that my heart would have been right after what C.J. taught me.
I'm just glad it wasn't me. For the love and respect of the Whitetail, what is the right answer?
By the way, C.J. was an Irish setter who in his day could find birds with the best.
Just so there is absolutely no confusion, I am not finding fault with Barry's way of thinking or what he did or didn't do. I guess what I am saying is because of so recently seeing the age in C.J.'s face and the pain in C.J.'s eyes, I might have transferred that to the grand old buck. If I had, I'm sure I would have felt pretty darn sad, but I usually do when I take a whitetail.
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Can see both sides of the page, taking into account what RRock said. Had to put my buddy down a couple of years ago because of the same type of situation.
But on the other hand, you generally do NOT regret the times when you DON'T shoot as much as when you take the shots you DO have to debate inside your head.
My two cents.....
I can applaud your decision not to shoot Barry and thanks for sharing.
Simple fact of the matter is that it was your decision to make at the time and if it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.
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Great read, Barry!
Bisch
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Great read, Barry!
Bisch
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Pretty Cool.......The things we see.......
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Very cool perspective Barry.
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Kind of choked me up just reading about it. Thanks for sharing Barry. I would like to think I would have made the same decision, but its hard to tell unless you're actually put in that position. The end nature has in store for the Old Man could certainly end up being cruel and ugly, making a swift, sharp arrow through the heart seem like a gift. But I'm going to put aside all the thoughts of the many unpleasant things that might await him and instead believe he will peacefully fall asleep for good, some cold clear night.
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You did the right thing letting this old buck go his natural end.this is for sure,if not the only one,one of the few to have complete its cycle!
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That was a great tribute to one that survived against all odds. I agree with your perspectives and respect.
God bless you, Steve
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Barry,
That's why we love Traditional Archery so much..It isn't all about the Big trophy's we love to hunt but it seems to find through all this hate,violence and life we live in today that we have a soft heart and we respect what God has givin us each day...It truly shows what Thansgiving means to some of us..You were Thankful to have the privlage to witness an old Buck that survived the elements and still see how Great our God is to let this buck see another day...It kind of makes one wonder that as good of a deer hunter you and your brother are and as much about the whitetail you have invested in your life that this one has taught you the most important lesson about Traditional Archery and yourself and that is you "Praise Him" for His creation of the Whitetail Buck from the birth of a newborn Fawn to the day it lays in it's last bed...Great story Barry and I enjoyed it very much...Glad it happened to you.....God Bless,
Keefer's <><-
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Great story Barry thanks for taking the time to post it!
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Barry, your decision was the ultimate display of RESPECT!
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Those who don't hunt have no concept of our love and respect for the animals we pursue. Thanks for putting some of those feelings down in writing, Barry. Let's hope that old deer meets a peaceful end.
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Fantastic story!!
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Barry,
Great read.....only a hunter could understand the range of emotions you experienced while watching that Buck.
You did the right thing out of respect..
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Great Story Barry,
Thank you for sharing so many over the years.
Regards.
Bert.
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Great story Barry. Thanks for sharing. Can't wait to see the pics.
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The common denominator between both sides of the choice that had to be made is... both sides are showing respect for the animal(s).
I am blessed to share the same cyber space with you folks.
God bless,Mudd
PS: Thank you Barry for bringing honor with you in your story and sharing your thoughts with us.
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Very cool.
I have an old man at my place as well. I passed him last season. Only have him on camera this year. His rack has lost loads of mass in just one year. It is now all twisted looking.
I ponder the same question when it comes to shooting him.
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I'm glad you passed on him,it's extremely hard for a deer to get to his age,he deserves to finish his life in peace.
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Barry - You had a rare encounter and enjoyed the experience for what it was.
I'm not sure if it's age or what, but the older I get, the more I become "the observer" rather than "the hunter". As most everyone here, the thought would have entered my mind to "end his suffering"....but I know I could not have done it....and had I done it, I would be lesser for it.
This story makes me think of the words of John Muir:
"Most people are on the world, not in it - have no conscious sympathy or relationship to anything about them - undiffused, separate, and rigidly alone like marbles of polished stone, touching but separate."
"Let children walk with Nature, let them see the beautiful blendings and communions of death and life, their joyous inseparable unity, as taught in woods and meadows, plains and mountains and streams of our blessed star, and they will learn that death is stingless indeed, and as beautiful as life."
One thing is for sure.....the story of that ol' boy has touched a lot of hunter's souls. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to seeing photos of him.
:campfire:
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UB, I think that as I get older I am more compelled to relate to these old fellas. We are rapidly getting to the same point in life as the old warrior you shared the morning with..
Respect for a loved one---.
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In that situation I would have felt unworthy of shooting that deer, but personally fully enriched from having the experience of just seeing him.
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Pat I'm seeing things that way too. It seems I'm relating more to the animals as I get older. If I stop bowhunting one day I believe it will be due to age and just having a different perspective on life.
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We will be "him" some day. No longer able to pull our bow, just barely able to walk to the kitchen or the car. We can not stop it.
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Thanks for sharing the story UB. Most "hunters" wouldn't understand your story including many of my "hunting friends". Nevermind the "nons" and "antis". This is possibly the best story (and replies) that I've read on Trad Gang and reconfirms what a great site that this and to share with such fine people.
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Great story.How can you have anything but respect for an old warrior like that?Understand how you feel about it.Thanks for sharing.
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Thanks UB.
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Thanks Barry for taking the time to share this story with us. What a great testament as to why most of us are out in the timber. I really appreciate that we have an archery site where these observations can be shared.
Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
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Uncle B, that little description brought tears to my eyes. You get it, always did. Raise a glass to the old warriors, the survivors, the ones that find a way to get to spring when the grass is green. He may not make it but what a life he had. Here's to the old ones...
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Thank you for sharing your intimate thoughts Barry.
That is a decision each person would have to make for themselves, neither right nor wrong, but out of respect.
I applaud your decision.
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I think I would put out a feeder if it were legal. Add some fish oil and ibuprofen to the mix. Help the ol' guy out.
:pray:
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Thank you for sharing such a touching experience. Like Elkchaser just said, "intimate". I've had to put down old horses and dogs, some of the toughest things I've had to do.
I work with the elderly and have sat with them in thier last moments on earth.
God bless you and your thoughtfulness.
Bona
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The older I get (I'm almost 72 now) the better this kind of story sets for me. Hope the old fella makes it even longer.
Joe
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Great story. I enjoy time spent online or else where with people that "feel" and think.RC
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Great story Barry. You have great respect for the game we hunt. Thanks for your time. Ken
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Good tale! Would non-hunters understand at all. We, as HUNTERS, always have been and always will be the caretakers of all the animals that roam the planet earth. :thumbsup:
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Uncle Barry..... :notworthy: :notworthy: :notworthy:
The PETA folks just don't have a clue to who we REALLY are do they ??? Great story and thanks for your open and honest feelings you put out there for us all to see. :campfire:
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What I'm writing now pertains to me. I will never tell another what to do, nor do I want them to tell me.
I've never been a mercy killer when it comes to game. If its alive, it is meant to be. If I want to take it for myself, I am the predator that plays mother natures part just as a coyote or harsh winter would. If I for some reason wouldnt take it, except because of a feeling of mercy...not my job.
If the animal tries to get away, it instinctively wants to live. I respect that and will let it walk. Mother nature will claim it when its due,to old age, weather or another hunter who is glad to harvest it.
I know there are circumstances, a deer hit by a car with its guts strooned all over the road that has 10 minutes to live and suffer, etc. Each instance is different.
A big old deer like that, I'd be honored to see him. Letting him walk is just a tip of the hat from one seasoned woodsman to the well seasoned beast.
I'm sure he doesnt mind you let him pass.
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Awesome post Barry. Stories like that make this website a place I enjoy looking at. Thanks for taking us along.
CK
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Originally posted by elkken:
I don't think you let old warriors walk out of sorrow, you let them walk out of respect ...... :notworthy:
Wise words. And I agree. Well done Barry.
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That was quite a story. I think you made the right decision. It's not like you really have a lot of time to make a decision when a whitetail is nearing your ambush. I wonder if a really old buck like that participates in the rut. I'm guessing probably not. He would likely not be able to compete with younger bucks in their prime. Honestly aside from all the hunters it's amazing a buck like that could survive the ever increasing coyotes. Again very cool story.
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With this flu Ive got, I feel just like that old buck. I really want to see a pic because there are more tigers in the New York woods than there are bucks that old, at least where I usually hunt.
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Outstanding Barry! Another example of why you and Gene represent bowhunting as it was meant to be. True to the words of "Professional bowhunters". I admire your decision and hopefully the old boy will lay down and go out in his sleep having taking absolutely all life had to give him. What more could any of us hope for.
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Thanks for that Barry.....Thanks for everything :campfire:
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One old buck respecting another! Pretty powerful. that was a great one Barry, thanks for shareing your thoughts.
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The amazing whitetail...ultimately, it`s getting close to them we strive for because they are so great!
Thanks for sharing!
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Wow.. that was intense. That must have been one amazing deer to survive on the Wenzel farm for so many years. This is by far the best thread I have read on here in a long long time.
When you were talking about how many times he has watched you when you have only seen him once it really makes you wonder if he was giving himself up to you..
What a story told by a TRUE sportsman. Congrats on making the right decision.
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That brought a smile to my face and a tear to my eye, both at the same time.
I hang out with folks like this........makes me proud.
"If I have to explain, you will never understand" pretty much covers it.
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:thumbsup: Those are the kind of encounters we never forget!
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Wet eyes and funny feeling in the back of my throat reading Barry's tale and your replies, folks.
RRock's comments touched a nerve, too...but our wild friends we pursue are not our family nor or pets. We take responsibility for those with whom we live and care for, be they an animal friend, or an aged family member. Like Rock, I think back to watching my father dwindle daily for over 2 years in a nursing home, that wasn't. I had no more control and wouldn't choose to have. That was and remained in God's hands.
But a wild animal, that has eluded all by his wits for so long, outlived, out shone all around him... In the moment, I do not know what I might do. Emotions are tricky and ephemeral.
I DO admire Barry's choice for the reasons he did so. They are admirable and defensible.
But as I age, stiffen, worry about Medicare and supplemental insurance and have a harder time in the past 12 months to get up and move, such reflections give me great pause...
But I'd rather live out my time, my own way, and make what adjustments I must, then to have someone choose my fate for me.
Alas, hat off to you, Barry, (and heart in my throat) for acknowledging an old warrior and saluting him for his time and space on Earth.
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Thank you. This is possibly the best hunting story I have ever read.
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a true hunter's heart, thanks.very insightful!
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Looking forward to seeing that video you took of him.
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Wow. You made me feel like I was there. Thank you.
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A great piece on an old warrior and those that pursue them...Well Done Friend, Well Done :campfire:
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Originally posted by Stumpkiller:
Granted, nature has no kind retirement plan for the elderly and infirm, but that day it wasn't going to be me and it wasn't going to be him.
I was trying to figure out what I would have done while reading Barry's post. I certainly respect his decision. I know that I would struggle with the choice if given the same circumstances. I think that a heartfelt decision could have been made either way. Nature is indeed cruel to the weak, but I do like that Stumpkiller.
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Let me ask: if he had "trophy" head gear would you all let him pass?? Just askin.
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Originally posted by Tique:
Let me ask: if he had "trophy" head gear would you all let him pass?? Just askin.
I would have to get back to you after given the situation. I tend to think if the Situation were different, the outcome would be different.
I also know I wouldn't let half the bucks pass that some folks here do.
To answer your question: Yes/NO/Maybe!
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I know that feeling Barry and i believe you did the right thing. Good for you! He deserves to live out the rest of his life, he has earned that right!
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Respect.
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There is an old Army toast that goes," Here's to us, and those like us; damn few left". Seems appropriate to this thread.
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Wow Mr. Wensel,that was some story! And the replies here are fantastic. I'm truly honored to be a part of this campfire. The men and women here are top notch folks for sure. Thank you for sharing.
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I had a similar experience with an old warrior 2 years ago. Haven't seen him since, I'm sure it was his last year. He deserved to go out on his own terms. Thanks for sharing.
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Great story Barry! When I first read the title of the post, I thought you were gonna make fun of your brother!!!
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Tique, I have passed up a couple of dozen bucks this year, most of them pretty nice by this area's standard.. Admittedly it wasn't because they were all old and if the right one graces me with his presence I will perhaps draw the bowstring to my cheek..
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This kind of stuff is why I love this site and traditional archery. We are not a bunch of heartless killers. We are a group of folks that love the animals we pursue and feel blessed to do so!
Thanks for sharing Barry, it was an awesome read as always!
Jason
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I alway thought that some smart old bucks died of old age. Salute the old ACE and let him walk. He has undoubtedly out smarted and out lucked many hunters. His fate will be more painful than an arrow but, he has earned the honor. Nice story!
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Real awsome stuff. :clapper:
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That is not natural, I am talking about the old deer walking backwards. I think we all can learn something from Barry's post. It is not natural for any animal to walk backwards. Yes, they might take a step or two if they run into some obstruction but this guy has taught himself to walk backwards which if very unnatural. The same way with horses, they have been genetically engineered to go forwards and have to be taught to backup. Interesting, I never seen a deer do that. I have seen them get down and crawl through brush field to be undetected. I also seen a dog chased deer stop and bury itself under a fallen log to rest and catch it's breath only to get up and take off again. That shows the character of this particular deer and give some more insight of how he has survived this long. I bet you his senses are failing and this is a deer that you could not get on a game camera otherwize, a true ghost. Tim in NC
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Nuff said... BW, nuff said.
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Regarding an animal walking backwards, I agree thirty yards is not natural but I don't doubt it. If you meet your dog in a narrow hallway he'll walk backwards a few steps to get out of the way, etc. but thirty yards is a long ways. I've always got a kick out of hearing stories of the deer trackers on snow telling about how when tracking a smart old buck the deer would place his hoofs inside his other footprints, walk backwards and then leap off to the side to try to shake the tracker. Give me a break. In reality what happens is the hunter is tracking the buck, pushing him somewhat. The deer is being pushed into unknown territory ahead. He sees/hears something ahead of him that he questions, a movement or whatever. He stops and watches, then questioning his advancement he backs up a few steps and leaps to one side or the other then continues on. Reading anything more into these tracks written in the snow is pure imagination in my opinion but makes for a good story whether the tracker ultimately gets the buck or not. BW
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This buck has captured my imagination since reading the post and I cant wait to see him. I still dont know what I would do in your position UB. If I did kill him Id surely hang him on the wall spikes or not. I personally feel that being killed by a guy that loves deer and whos very life has been formed around deer would be an honorable way for the old man to go. Still not saying I wouldnt do what you did, cause just having an experience like that trumps a whole pile of dead deer but I would love to be put in the pilot seat to decide. I hope if you find his bones this spring that youll age him. Thanks again for sharing and putting that old mans legend in my mind. Hes worthy of a mini chapter in the next book.
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Oh yeah Barry, by the way my dog doesnt back away in a narrow hallway. Hes too damn lazy and will make you walk around him or step over his big A**! :banghead:
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I believe when it is your "Time" then the end comes. When Barry was "Watching" that deer, he knew it wasn't the old guys Time. However it ends, it will end the way it was intended. We were lucky enough to have UB give us an insight to one small piece of this bucks time-line and as hunters and conservationists, we appreciate that. Thanks Barry!
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Absolutely awesome! Great thread and thanks so much UB for sharing. My hats off to you. I with out and doubt in my mind believe you did the right thing. It goes to show the Spirit in you as a hunter and a man. It goes way beyond respect for the animals in which we hunt. Your thread touches on the connection with a Power much greater than you or me. Most all of us here understand it and even more appreciate it. We choose this type of hunting because thats what it is hunting. If killing is all I wanted to do merciful or not Id get a job at the slaughter house. Thanks again so much for sharing! Happy Hunting.
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Great story ! Thanks for sharing such a rare sight.
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:clapper: Love it...!
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Thank-you for letting him walk.
Leland
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Uncle B,
Thanks for sharing the COOL encounter with the 4 legged elder statesman.Very interesting and what you did was very honorable in my book.
Good Luck
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:campfire: :coffee:
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Maybe the "reflection" was yours, I think most hunters see things different in the winter of their hunting careers than they did when not as "experienced" I am not that old but I watch as my father is in this stage and the need to take an animal for a successful season is less important to him than just going. I believe the compassion you felt was a camraderie between youself and the deer from having been through times in your own life. Hope this doesnt sound like Im a babbling idiot, Don
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After reading all these posts I have a feeling that if Barry, at the last second, decided to "put the old boy down to end his suffering", that this thread would've still played out very similarly. Barry has a great way with words, and could tell a story two ways, and win you over in each case.
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I would have put him out of his suffering and put his spikes on my wall. One thing that I remind non hunters about the legitimacy of hunting is that there are no old age homes for wild animals, their end is often much more cruel than a bullet or an arrow.
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What a cool story. Thanks for taking time to share it! Can't wait to see pics of the old guy.
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This evening I sat the same stand. Just before dark I heard something walking over my right shoulder. It was a nice 3 yr. old 4x4. He walked by at 20 yds. totally unaware I was watching. I looked behind him and something caught my eye. There at 50 yds. was a white throat patch. I put the binocs on it. There he was watching me... the 100 year old man. He just stood there until it got dark. I stayed in the stand an extra ten minutes and slipped out as quietly as I could. It made me wonder how many other times he watched me leave. Thank you again for all the nice comments. You guys make me proud. BW
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Barry, aren't you going to tell the folks about the rest of your day today? You have a whole lot more self control than I do. Or maybe I need to make you an appointment with Dr. Phil.
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Patience my Precious, patience....
AND celebrate a Happy Thanksgiving!
Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2:
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Wow,,, this thread has me caught up like none before has. I cant get that old dude out of my head. Ill be looking for him whenever Im hunting for a while to come now. Still dont know what Ill decide if his end is in fact my decision or that of another force. Heres to the old man, may he run for another 100 years. :notworthy:
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Really???
Does the "W" in Wensel stand for Weird, Whacky, Wistful, Wise, Whitetail, or Whole??? All joking aside...I tried to use wit and end this little query with the word "whole"....because...having read a bunch of your all's stuff and watched your videos....what I've seen as a "thread or message from you all" is reflected in what Barry has tried to share with us...
Fun loving...outdoor loving men...enjoying and at the same time respecting our relationship with our "nature family"...
Keep it coming Wensel Bros!!! You guys always get me to thinking about my outdoor experiences and conduct.
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So tell us your story Barry? Please?
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I think we all have soft spots in our hearts; it is encounters such as this that makes us all appreciate life the much more; no telling how many offspring that this deer has given and like yours Barry, his legacy will live on for generations;
Thank you Barry for the story and giving an example that all should desire to live by.
:campfire:
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Obviously, you have a great respect for animals regardless of the age. He may not make it through another winter, but you did the right thing. The old boy paid his dues, and earned your respect. Good call.
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Two Old Bucks(Barry and 100 year old man) in the woods, with Gut Instinct, to get thru the years! Your choice, a good choice for both of you>>>>
Thanks for sharing the "RESPECT".
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Awesome U B. as always we can't wait to see the footage. You definitely did the right thing. He'll go in his own way on his own time.
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Maybe the best paragraph Ive ever read! I too have seen them back up like that but only for maybe 3 deer lengths @ most.
When you start underestamating their will to live you have let them have the upper hand.
Bring on the video!
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Great story Gene. You did the right thing. You my friend are a true bowhunter.
Tom
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I hope you can post a pic of him that would be something most of us will never see even in a picture. Great story as allways. Thanks you.
Terry
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This has been a great thread. I also hope that we will get to see a photo of the old guy. Even if we don't, this has been a great story to read.
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Incredible! Nobody better for an experience like this to happen to and then re-tell it for us....thanks Uncle B :campfire:
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Well, everyone is wanting to hear "the rest of the story". Even Gene is after me. I was hesitant on writing it for fear of people thinking we hunt in the zoo. Some folks get jealous but anyone can do it. The truth of the matter is I am only hunting two adjoining farms that total about 400 acres and are owned by two of my best friends. Our only "secret" is we keep them limited to bowhunting only. We only shoot a few does and limit the bucks to fully mature 5 1/2 yr. old bucks or better. That's it. Last week the one landowner and myself put up a new stand in a tree I've been watching for two years now. We named the stand "Buckshot" and it's quickly becoming one of my all-time favorites. In fact, I told the landowner after I kick the bucket I'd like my ashes spread around the stand. It's that good. Yesterday morning was perfect. It ended up being by far the best day of hunting I've had all season. By the way as a side note, yesterday, Nov. 21st marked my "anniversary". It was 53 years ago yesterday I killed my first whitetail buck. Anyway, the computer said 39 degrees but when I went out to the truck the temp read 27. Winds from the south at 5 MPH. I climbed in the stand before light. Shortly after pink light here came a 115" 4x4 walking east to west right down the main run at 12 yds. At about 8AM here comes a big male coyote trotting down the same run going west to east. I got to full draw and made a bleat with my mouth. Instead of stopping he turned inside out and reversed direction. No shot. He might have been a little shy because I heart shot his brother a couple weeks ago in a nearby stand. I watched that one go down, walked up to him and said "Meep-Meep" for the Roadrunner. Anyway, back to the tale. Five minutes after the coyote leaves I catch movement also coming west to east. At first I thought it was a pack of coyotes, I suppose because I had coyotes on my mind. But then I realized it was five does running right to me. Dogging right behind them is a stud. He was a clean 5x5 probably measuring over 160 inches. I noticed his right G4 was crooked and kind of twisted. I also noticed he had broken off four or five inches from the tip of his right G2. Ask me if I care. He was a dandy and I intended to take him. He was dogging the does and stopped broadside at 15 yds. now heading north but behind some whips. Just before he walks through my shooting lane something else catches my eye. Coming behind him is an even bigger buck. Although the second buck was "only" a giant 4x4 he was noticably bigger. I've always been of the opinion if you have two bucks both measuring an equal 160 inches, one being a 4x4 and the other a 5x5, the 4x4 will usually take your breath away even though he has less points. Anyway, this 4x4 was a bruiser. He had one of those dark foreheads and a gray face more common in mule deer. Even though both deer would undoubtedly dress over 200 lbs. the 4x4's rack was big enough to make the body look smaller. I instantly let the big 5x5 walk through my shooting lane. Here comes the big one. They have does scattering everywhere. He stops at 17 yds. frontal.. frontal. I wait with tension on the string knowing what was about to happen. He turns to follow the 5x5 only instead of walking across my 6 foot wide shooting lane he trots across it at 15 yds. He wasn't really running and I was totally confident in the shot. I'm usually very good at those shots. Unfortunately it was not meant to be. No excuses. I simply shot just below his heart missing him clean. Right about then I said to myself "Golly gee, gosh darn, son of a gun, dag nab it".. or something like that. I'll tell you one thing, when I was in my prime I bet I would have got him. I'll be right back... it gets better. BW
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Thanks for sharing UB. Continue.....
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...enough already...get out of the bathroom and keep writing..
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Sorry about that. My wife is back east visiting her sister so I'm batching it. I'm having turkey franks for Thanksgiving dinner and jumping back into a stand. So my morning hunt ended before noon (I had some other stuff I needed to do). I had seen six racked bucks including the two shooters, a dozen or so does and a coyote. I climbed back into the stand about 3PM. I wasn't there fifteen minutes and a doe and button walked right by. Then a little later here comes four does looking behind themselves to the east. Then I see them perk up looking at something to the west. Here comes a string of a dozen or whatever Butterballs. The turks see the deer and the deer see the turks. The turks start yelping and turn back. And the deer turn back because the butterballs are scared of their own shadows. See?? That's why I hate turkeys. I never saw what was following the four does. So then about 4:30 I look over my shoulder and see long tines coming. I pointed the camcorder where I knew the shot would be and hit record. He walks right up to the scrape at 12 yds. It's a long tined 4x4 I've seen several other times. Man.. his G2s have to be over 14 inches. In fact I know they are because I have his shed from last year. His G2 measures 13 5/8" and he looks bigger this year. Adding to that he's got a giant tumor on his chest. I saw this buck about ten days ago and I swear the tumor looks bigger now. I'm told some of these tumors come and go and it all depends if they're fluid, cancer or whatever. So now I'm getting a lot of flack from everyone for not dusting him, especially since it was on film. But I let him walk by at 10 yds, 8 yds, 4 yds, right under me. I know.. I know.. sometimes I'm a real idiot. But the fact is I hunt for the experiences and there are at least a half dozen big bucks in the area I'd gladly tag. Looking back on it, I probably will shoot him next time if he comes by again. My mistake. You guys still like me don't you? :^) Happy Thanksgiving to all. BW aka UB
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Alright UB....I'll let that one slide...for now. Great story, thanks. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Like you? I hate you! I`m soo green with envy I could upchuck. After spending over 40 times on stand and not having a chance at any deer, it is cool to read about things like this. Seriously awesome story, hope you tag a giant.
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I think you found the honeyhole, the mating ground, the whitetail bedroom. Incredible, I experienced a similar season hunting muley deer. It may never happen again, enjoy it.
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A great story well told. I guess we still like you.
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Thanks for writing, BW, UB and the one I like... BB.
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If you don't want to shoot him, I know a very nice plot of ground in Johnson County, Wyoming, that would be a nice home for him for a while
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Always depends on what's in your area, Barry.
Can't hate a man with discipline when there are so many other good opportunities close to hand!
Just makes me eyes bleed reading about all the opportunities... Like Big River, been chasing all bow season and not ONE legal animal in range...
In my area, seeing any legal deer can be a thrill, and passing one might be the last one you see...but where you are...MORE POWER to you...
Still takes discipline...but that is a grand area in which you live/hunt!
You go, Barry! :thumbsup: :notworthy:
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Awesome story and it made me remember a rack I came onto. First let me say my home state (except for four bow hunting only counties!) a 3.5 is ancient and 2.5 are extremely scarce. Hard to believe some actually live through their prime and live longer.
So several years back I was doing the electrical contracting of rewiring a old barn, the house was a total loss. Only one part of the barn was "saved" and this rack immediaty caught my eye. The new owner said I could have it so I snatched it. I was actually wiring the new home of the old farmer to boot as he sold the farm and moved to the city. So I asked him about it.
He said son, "Between my sons, myself, neighbors and other relatives we've kilt alot of bucks on that farm and surrounding farms! SOME EVEN WHERE IN SEASON!! Every year one of us would catch of glimpse of him but no one ever got him. For the few that got a glimpse of him in his prime he was something to see! Yes sir he was the talk of the county, everyone called him "Ol Buck" though truthfully only a few ever laid eyes on him. We finally found his skelton one spring and I cut his skull plate off. I figured he lived and died on that farm, survived a barn fire so I'd just leave him there with the farm. But it sounds like he's found a new home, he's yours!
I was always gona do a rack mount of him just out of respect but just never did. It really deserves it seeming how to die of old age living in a enviroment that folks would shoot him given the chance whether legal or not! A true warrior too. Hope this new photo bucket thing works.
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/LCooper/IMGP0151.jpg)
(http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y17/LCooper/IMGP0153.jpg)
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Barry,
Very vivid and poignant description of an "old warrior" buck. By seeing, & almost feeling his pain in his face and letting him walk, your true hunter's
heart gave him the salute and respect he has earned and deserves.
Your a class guy Mr. Wensel!
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Jeesh, that's a great season already, good luck on another big one!
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Thank you for this year's anniversary story BW!
So glad that our Creator has gotten you back in the stand!
Keep it comin'!
Shoot straight, Shinken
:archer2:
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This is such a great read and inspiration that I look forward to logging on to check out any updates! Thanks for sharing your experiences with us Barry!
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sounds to me like you made the right choice.
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This thread is awsome! I've been looking for it and any updates since I first saw it in the line-up. Thank you again Sir.
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Hey Unka Barry, I'm not jealous (maybe just a little) :p I'm happy for you because I know a man like you NEEDS these kinds of experiences.. My hunting has been cut back this year. A week before I was supposed to leave for Shrew Haven I ended up in the hospital with a little heart problem...bad timing I'm thinkin.. :( The Doc didn't want me to make the trip this year so I listened to him. Maybe I'm getting smarter in my old age.. :rolleyes:
Somehow reading about your hunting experiences this fall has helped make up for the lack of my own. I'm hunting vicariously through your stories so please keep them coming...and next time you're in that special stand and you feel a presence near you..it's just me, looking over your shoulder.. :D
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Originally posted by Ron LaClair:
Hey Unka Barry, I'm not jealous (maybe just a little) :p I'm happy for you because I know a man like you NEEDS these kinds of experiences.. My hunting has been cut back this year. A week before I was supposed to leave for Shrew Haven I ended up in the hospital with a little heart problem...bad timing I'm thinkin.. :( The Doc didn't want me to make the trip this year so I listened to him. Maybe I'm getting smarter in my old age.. :rolleyes:
Somehow reading about your hunting experiences this fall has helped make up for the lack of my own. I'm hunting vicariously through your stories so please keep them coming...and next time you're in that special stand and you feel a presence near you..it's just me, looking over your shoulder.. :D
Me too Ron, first time in my damn life I cant hunt. Surgery has me down and out, living through Tradgang stories.
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Aw man.. so now you guys are looking over my shoulder? So if I miss I can't lie about it? Yesterday morning all I saw was a doe and fawn but I did see a bobcat. In fact I saw two bobs yesterday. When I first got up I saw something sitting in my driveway. I put the binocs on it and it was a bobcat just sitting there. I think he was on stand using the help of the yardlight for mice. I tried hunting yesterday afternoon but aborted after only a half hour with winds blowing in four directions. I got up this morning at 4:30 and the winds were howling. They said gusts to 40 MPH decreasing to 30 MPH later in the day. Wrong answer.. went back to bed. BW
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Great couple of days in the deer woods. Excellent story.
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I really like to hunt whitetails and always like to harvest as well. Ive taken some big deer and not so big deer. Im always exicted about the harvest. I dont hunt deer just to kill. Ive always felt some sadness when I walk up to a deer that I harvest. I hope that I always have that feeling.
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Great stuff Barry,especially the "Old Man" part of the story. I like the phrase "let him pick his final bed". Very fitting. And to see him later watching you is neat. Like you wondered, how many times has that happened?
If you'd filled your tag with him, look at what you would have been missing with those other bucks. Good luck with the rest of the season, and may it be the best of the season.
Thanks for sharing your adventures!
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Cool stories. Still looking forward to some pic's of the ol' boy.
By the way Gene and Barry, whatever happened to Tyrone the melanistic buck?
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unbeleivable that this has 11 pages associated with it. great read
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Jon Simoneau offered to walk me through the process of downloading the video footage to the computer but I'm half afraid I'm going to screw something up and erase it. Watching him slowly walk off still chokes me up. Gene sent me a trail camera photo of another really old looking buck he saw this year. Pretty impressive stuff. bw
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UB, glad your health has improved and you are in the woods again.
This Thread has my full attention. Good luck tomorrow!
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Originally posted by Barry Wensel:
He wasn't really running and I was totally confident in the shot. I'm usually very good at those shots. Unfortunately it was not meant to be. No excuses. I simply shot just below his heart missing him clean. Right about then I said to myself "Golly gee, gosh darn, son of a gun, dag nab it".. or something like that. I'll tell you one thing, when I was in my prime I bet I would have got him. I'll be right back... it gets better. BW
UB (I feel like I should call you Mr. Wensel), this makes me laugh out loud... Just like your videos I've watched so many times. Hunting October whitetails is my all time favorite!! And because of that video, we all know you can make those running shots like nobody's business! I think you're still in your prime, there is just a bigger buck out there with your name on it.
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Have you seen the picture titled "The Old Warrior"?
The buck in this picture has a huge rack but his G1 and G2 are broken off clear down to the main beam, he has a drop tine on his left side with a broadhead sticking out of it, a tear and a bullet hole in his left ear, he's blind in his right eye with a long scar above and below his eye, he has a scratch on his nose that is bleeding, a scratch on his chest and barbed wire tangled aroung his antlers.
Love that picture.
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Got me curious so I googled "the old warrior" and found it pretty easily.
Here's a link.
http://country-art.com/ca/the_old_warrior.htm
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What a fun thread to follow along and laugh, dream and ponder. Keep the updates coming thoughout the rest of the season Barry.
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Shows that hunting is more than killing something.Good story Barry.
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Brother you did the right thing..Would love to see the footage..The connection we have with the whitetail can not be put into words..Well maybe one word..Respect..Hats off to you...
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Gene asked me to post a few "100 year old man" pics here, so I will post the pic and the text he sent along with it...stand by.
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(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/Wensel%20Photos/3c98d35eb03412cb4e21fc3d79430284.jpg)
"I can't say for sure how old this old this one is but he is not in good shape. Looks like he broke both of his front legs at the knees when he apparently got caught in a fence or maybe hit by a vehicle. I always marvel at how tough these critters are and how much pain he must have endured while trying to eat enough to stay alive and avoid coyotes for several months while his knees healed up. Amazing animals! This is yet another buck I've never laid eyes on. He's still out there."
Gene Wensel
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(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/Wensel%20Photos/b9bf06a58658dc6f8d5e619c878de3d9.jpg)
"This old boy has never been seen by me. I know he is still out there."
Gene Wensel
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(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/Wensel%20Photos/15b830f5e9d8f0d2049346afffcc770a.jpg)
"This old man walked by me at less than 20 feet on November 4th. I let him pass undisturbed."
Gene Wensel
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(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/Wensel%20Photos/d440901442fd2872486ed1e3b036bbb8.jpg)
"This old warrior was killed two years after this photo was taken. His teeth determined he was 13 1/2 years old so he was 11 1/2 in this photo."
Gene Wensel
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Boy if that photo doesn't look right through you..That were respect comes in...
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Great story! Thanks for sharing it with us!
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one of the best stories that has been posted on here, what a great read!
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Those are some amazing photos. Thank you.
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Awesome!
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Originally posted by Steve O:
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/Wensel%20Photos/d440901442fd2872486ed1e3b036bbb8.jpg)
"This old warrior was killed two years after this photo was taken. His teeth determined he was 13 1/2 years old so he was 11 1/2 in this photo."
Gene Wensel
Boy this picture is worth a thousand words :readit: Just to think how much he has seen and been through, amazing!
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Great thread! Thanks Barry :)
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Originally posted by frassettor:
Originally posted by Steve O:
[qb] (http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b351/osminski/Wensel%20Photos/d440901442fd2872486ed1e3b036bbb8.jpg)
"This old warrior was killed two years after this photo was taken. His teeth determined he was 13 1/2 years old so he was 11 1/2 in this photo."
Gene Wensel [/b]
That old guy looks like how I feel sometimes.
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I saw an ancient deer like this once. Took a shot and clean missed him broadside at 18 yards. He kept walking, didn't flinch, was like he was a ghost. Could not believe what I had just seen.
Later, I met my friend, Joe, who happened to be hunting the same drainage about 1 mile away. He told me about a really old deer that came his way. He came broadside and Joe clean missed him at 12 yards. Now Joe is an crack shot, typically nails a Styrofoam coffee cup at 30 yards all day long. This deer just wandered off, undisturbed like nothing had ever happened.
Maybe, he just wasn't ready to meet his maker.
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Heck, I got choked up just reading your post! :(
Where's my hanky?
Originally posted by Barry Wensel:
.......I honestly got choked up. BW
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Great experiences Barry!! I enjoyed every word. Thanks for sharing.
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This thread makes me wonder how many times I have thought there were "no deer around" while an old timer like this one stood there and silently watched me.
It has probably happened a dozen times and I was clueless. I can picture an old buck or doe in some comfortable bed under a pine still laughing at me and wondering when I will learn my lessons.
Guess I should slow down and use my eyes more than my head to look around. Maybe someday I might get lucky and see one of the old smart ones. Especially since you have taught us UB that the big ones are usually "slow walkers". I genuinely wonder how many times a set of eyes has been watching me while I didn't have the slightest clue.
Good on you for the lessons passed on to those of us with less experience. Thanks for your insight, lessons on big bucks and an overall great post. Your top quality UB.
Thanks again,
-Charlie
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This thread has me thinking a lot also. The more I think about it I believe that outside a cruising November buck traveling long distance that you need to be setup within 100 yards or so of where a deer is bedded for the day in order to have a chance to even see the deer during daylight. I bet that more deer are spooked by entry to a hunting area than anything. I also think they will not necessarily run like hell. But rather just stay bedded knowing you do not see them and simply wait for you to leave before rising and moving. I actually witnessed this scenario this season while some bedded deer stayed tight while a couple of cross gun hunters were talking laughing smoking and building a ground blind within 100 yards of where the deer were bedded. The deer paid attention to them but were not worried in the least bit. These were public land deer that had obviously played that game many times and were confident they would win again.
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I think the old timer that told this fine story was looking into a mirror: saw himself - saw the old buck and thought : old age beats the alternative for BOTH of us. PS: Barry,you truly have a gift with words.
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Well thank you. Maybe I should just write a book. Ha. It's 5:15 AM, 32 degrees, wind out of the north at 8 MPH... I'm outta here. BW
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Thank you Barry, I enjoyed listening to your words. I believe that everything starts and ends with the heart. If we take the time to pray for His will, He speaks to us through the heart. Trust in Him, you made the right choice.
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cool as hell. thanks for posting that!
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It is a real belssing to be able to see an old timer like that. Even greater to be able to pass and let him walk on.
God Bless,
Nathan
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Just for those who think I'm not "normal", I got up this morning to a base temp of 14 degrees and chill factor of 9. Not that bad but the winds were predicted out of the SW and they were actually out of the NW. So while I thought about which stand I most likely would screw up I went back to bed. BW
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Awesome read, thanks for sharing these stories. Just started re-reading "Buckskin and Bone" last night, and have to completely agree with Gene about storytelling in that one.
Maybe I should go back and re-listen to my "Rambling Rednecks" tape today as well...you guys have a gift for telling stories.
"Heeeeyyyy...Carrots!"
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Barry I feel your heart, though I haven't hunted these gritters as long as you, I been there. About 5 years ago I set up on public land and had few deer come by. Then about hour later off the beaten deer path, through a thicket was a deer moving. I turned around and watched, it was a doe, she was huge for illinois, looked like a canada deer. At first I thought she was picking her way through the thicket being careful, then I realized it was just her old age. She had a vast amount of white hair on her, and seem to labor with every stride. Now keep in mind she wasn't in exquisit pain, just like we look at a person whom is 90 and still healthy but arthitict. I watched her move and slowly browse and noticed she studied the other animal movement. Not just deer but squirrel's, birds and such. Then like Barry, I thought of everything she lived through and how honored I felt to be in the presance of a queen of survival and evasion. I felt she had the right to move through and that with all she has been through and gave to mother nature as well as us, she deserved to ride off in the sunset. I felt blessed to have been able to fooled the sense's and see a great animal as her. That is to me what hunting is about, the interaction with mother nature herself.
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Just for those who think I'm not "normal", I got up this morning to a base temp of 14 degrees and chill factor of 9. Not that bad but the winds were predicted out of the SW and they were actually out of the NW. So while I thought about which stand I most likely would screw up I went back to bed. BW
Barry, how can you go back to bed :confused:
I know I'm older than you but I didn't think it was by that much... :dunno: Once I'm up,..I'm up, there ain't no going back to bed. On the other hand afternoon naps have become a way of life...are you there yet? :)
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Ron: I've been getting up at 4:20 every day. Because they had variable predictions the first thing I do is check the computer for the present and hourly predictions. I was still groggy so it wasn't hard to fall back asleep. Yes, now that the peak of the rut is over I'm finding even a 20 minute nap makes a world of difference in keeping me alert for the afternoon hunts. bw
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"normal" and BW :confused:
words not often used in the same sentence ;)
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Originally posted by Barry Wensel:
Just for those who think I'm not "normal"
Don't try to kid yourself Barry, you're not normal!
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Great read Barry, God bless.
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Finally got a chance to read this.....
Gotta say thanks for sharing Barry.....great post about a great deer. And that doesn't even mention the great thoughts you put into the experience and into this post.
This post will be archived.
Now he will live on through us.....
Many thanks again Sir. :campfire:
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Originally posted by jonsimoneau:
This thread has me thinking a lot also. The more I think about it I believe that outside a cruising November buck traveling long distance that you need to be setup within 100 yards or so of where a deer is bedded for the day in order to have a chance to even see the deer during daylight. I bet that more deer are spooked by entry to a hunting area than anything. I also think they will not necessarily run like hell. But rather just stay bedded knowing you do not see them and simply wait for you to leave before rising and moving. I actually witnessed this scenario this season while some bedded deer stayed tight while a couple of cross gun hunters were talking laughing smoking and building a ground blind within 100 yards of where the deer were bedded. The deer paid attention to them but were not worried in the least bit. These were public land deer that had obviously played that game many times and were confident they would win again.
When the Orange Army rolls in, we sit in the house and watch the bucks hide. The place that gets shotgun hunted has a big ravine with tall grass. The lazy orange guys will not push into the grass. Every year we sit and watch with the scope as the push starts. The bucks drop into the ravine and follow it to the grass. Then they lay flat. The guys walk past every single time. They are focused on the does that are running in the field. Love watching the deer out smart the neighbors ;)
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Barry, did you shoot that yote with an Acme arrow?
meek meek
You write just like your telling the story in person.
Sunnystone
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Terry (Green.. not Sunstone): Quit using those big words like "archived". By the way, run it by me once again why you're thanking Gene. Ha. BW
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Hasn't it always been that way? You do all the work and Gene gets all the credit? Some things will never change... :biglaugh:
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A very good read!
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WoW! That got to me... you did the right thing... I let a 6 pter go by the other day and could not explain to my wife why I get up at 5 in the morning to freeze my bottom off, only to let them walk, I can't explain it but I know that I never want to be a guy that kills at every opportunity. Thanx for sharing this great experience.
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no picture means it didn't happen :)
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Sorry Barry....I corrected that....the words still count...I was going 90MPH as usual...my bad...
Now I have to go google 'archived' to see if that really is a word. :D