Havnt had much time to hunt this year. I did shoot a spike in another area back in October. I pretty much figured I'd ride the rest of the season out without any more opportunities.
I got to go hunt this funnel last weekend and had a 4 point ( not legal) walk by at less than 7 yrds. So I took the day off of work and was going to do an all day sit today. I got in the stand about 35-40 minutes before daylight and I heard a hog (I think) work it's way through a thick patch of brush to the west. About 8:30 I thought I heard something else from the same direction so I stood up and got ready. A few minutes later I saw movement and then saw a doe and a yearling slowly working my way. At about 20 yrds she suddenly froze and after about 30 seconds she put her nose straight up and was checking the wind. She eventually took a couple more steps and then slowly turned around and walked back into the woods. The old girl wasn't spooked but knew something wasn't right.
So I figured my day was pretty much shot so I sat down and snacked on some jerky and almonds. I then picked up my phone to check on the gang here when suddenly I hear something approaching from the east . I could see its shadow coming off the slight ridge and could tell it was a buck before I could see it's body. I quickly put my phone away but by now it's in full view of me and I can't move. It is on a path that will bring it behind me. There is one tree between us that blocks it view of me for only a spit second. I grab my bow, stand, turn and draw all at the same time! I have one window of opportunity to make a shot before he's behind some limbs from another tree and then he'll be to far behind me.
All the while my upper limb is hitting some small limbs from the tree beside me. I maneuver the top limb as i lean forward and bend at the waste . All this happens in a split second!! I don't even remember picking a spot ! Suddenly the arrow is zipping thru the deer right in the pocket! He drops and spins and I can instantly see blood pouring out of him.
Then all is quiet. I don't hear him running or crash or anything.
I sit down because I'm shaking so bad I had to! Lol
I replay the shot over and over in my head . I know it is good but I decided to give him some time anyways. No sense messing things up now!
So I send out a few text and wait as long as I could before climbing down. I instantly find really good blood and then more and more. It was an amazing trail! I did have my string tracker as well but it definitely wasn't needed!
I found the broadhead at about 10 yrds. Then at about another 10 yards I look up and I can see my buck just ahead.
He's an old warrior! A 9 point with some character. All scared up from fighting. He also had an old would on his back leg that was calcified over.
I couldn't be more proud! A big bodied mature buck on public land!!
Then the real work begins! Had to make just under a 1.5 mile drag!!
I'll try to post some pics without having to post a link.