A "Special" hunt....Kodiak Special that is.
I just returned home last night from a hunt at my Grandfathers farm in Crockett,Texas. As is with alot of traditions, hunting on the family farm is always something special.
I've harvested many deer and much bigger deer in my life but none as special as this Buck. It was the first Traditional kill of my short career shooting a recurve. I used the first bow I choose to do a restoration job on,1959 Kodiak Special 64" #50 and since I've been shooting it the most, I felt that it was the one to go with.
The acorns have started falling in earnest and I knew I didnt want to take a shot outside my comfort zone so I set my limit to 20 yards or so and felt if I choose the right tree I could get closer. My goal this year was to take a Doe or Feral Hog which are in abundance around our property. I didnt want to get too far ahead of myself and thinking I deserved a Buck yet.
As luck would have it, I did get my first shot off at a Doe that was coming into feed with a couple others. I hunt from an elevated tree stands some lock-ons, a Tri-pod,and a climber. I was in the climber at about 15ft.and and the Doe past at approximately 12-13 yards, she gave me a good broadside shot, the shot right to left was good I just missed on the aim high 2"-3" between her ducking some and having never shot my bow from a tree it was a learning experience to say the least.
Approximately 45 mins before dark an younger 8pt Buck [Texas count:)]came cruising in looking for a date. But the date wasnt what I think he had in mind. As I looked him over to be sure he met the minimum antler restriction in our county I had decided he did, he had closed within 10 yards of my stand location.
I figured I would draw and get set paying close attention to my anchor point and aim to make certain I send the arrow on it's intended path. At about 5-6 yards and must have got a whiff of me and stopped then looked up, we both made eye contact and then without delay I released my arrow, however short the flight was true, due to the great feather rest constructed by Trap. (Thanks Trap!)
So I have far exceeded my expectations and look forward to many more Traditional hunts in the future....
Topic: Happy Birthday 59 (Read 10006 times)
