Well to say I am ecstatic would be an understatement. I finally get to finish the story of high beam.
Yesterday I when I finished up work, I ran in and pulled cam cards on the property where he hangs out. While there, I noticed a nice scrape had opened up. I had to go, so I "freshened" it up. A quick trip home and a look at the pics revealed that a doe and fawn were at the feeder the day before when high beam chased them off right at the end of legal shooting time.
My loving wife was looking at the pics over my shoulder and said "Get your a** out there! I'll see you after dark. Just remember, your daughter has a soccer banquet at 6:30".
That was all I needed to hear. A super quick shower, grabbed my gear and off to the woods. Conditions were perfect. Overcast, a light breeze, And slightly cooler temps than they have been.
I wanted to sit a stand that I had positioned about a hundred yards from the feeder on a path that I knew he occasionally used, but the wind direction was no good. I had no choice but to sit the stand at the feeder. This was risky as I knew I would be getting out a little early and there was a good chance I'd run into high beam.
At about 3:30 a little fork horn passed by and mingled around on the flat for about twenty minutes before finally dropping into the hollow on the opposite side. About five minutes later I see a deer come back up out of the hollow close to where he had gone in. I just assumed it was him and didn't give it much thought. I continue scanning the woods looking for other deer. I look back at the deer as he turns his head and I see rack flash, lots of rack. I look harder and can't believe my eyes. It's high beam!! And it's nearly two hours til dark!! He walks right up to the scrape I freshened just a few hours ago and give it a quick but thorough thrashing. Next thing I know he's headed right for me. I'm already standing, bow in hand. He walks out at 20 yds, slightly quartering away. I draw and do my best to pick a spot, but it is hard to do as adrenaline has kicked in and I am shaking like leaf. Next thing I know the arrow is on its way. I hit back about 4-5 inches, but the angle looked good.
I call a buddy and we decide to give him an hour. Normally I would've given him a little longer, but rain is coming and should be here in about two hours.
Luckily the trail was short and the broadhead did its job, liver and one lung.
My bow was a 67' Kodiak Hunter given to my by uncle. I can't thank him enough, and he couldn't be happier. I used Easton aluminum arrows with 200gr VPA 2-blades up front. The VPA
shattered one rib and came out unscathed.
By the way, I was about twenty minutes late to the banquet. But my daughter understood why. I walked in and she discreetly gave me the two thumbs up.