What an evening!!!! Since the school is on Christmas break, I have to work mornings instead of evenings, giving me some time for evening hunts. I haven't had many this year.
I got to the spot on public ground and was reluctant to pull in the parking area. 2ft of snow everywhere makes it risky for my car. I layed on the gas and made it through to my suprise,LOL!
Quickly as I could, I made it back to my spot. The snow was past my knees and I was getting quite the workout. I strapped on my tree straps and climbed up, this time using my tree sling. I was snug and warm at that point, with only about 1 1/2 hrs of light left.
After 40 minutes I saw a doe walking through snow that was chest deep on her. I had to move around the other side of the tree to get into position. She must have caught a bit of my movement, cause she went on full alert. I held still for a while and she skirted my perimeter, being cautious of every step she took. I knew I wasn't going to get a shot at her and went back to looking in the direction she came in.
20 minutes later a group of 5 doe came in from the same direction. The lead doe was huge!!! I bet she was 4 1/2 or 5 1/2yrs old with a long, long nose and a big butt. :D She wasn't so cautious, which was strange. She stepped out in front of me at 17yds, I thought this was a gimme. I focused on the heart area instead of settling for lungs. That was a dumb and cocky move cause my arrow sailed just under the brisket. She jumped but never ran. She took the rest of the doe with her as they walked away casual and without alarm. Tomorrow...............