Today was opening day for me. I had not had a chance to get out before this morning, and Droptine59 and I hit our Finksburg property for the first time.
What a great morning it was. Nice, calm, cool fresh air....ahhhhh. Had 5 does come in a few minutes after 7, and a red fox bedded down at the base of a tree about 20 feet to the right of me. The does never committed and wandered off away from me.
I had to stand up in my ladder stand a bit later and face the tree, because I noticed all these big black ants crawling all over me. The tree I was in must have been home to them. I would shake them off my safety strap every few minutes, and they didn't bother me too much as long as I was not against the tree.
About 8:45 I noticed three does out in front of me about 50 yards away. They proceeded to feed around to my left, and two basket racked bucks joined them. The lead doe and a large fawn followed by another big doe worked their way right behind me. I wanted to let them go by, hoping one of the bucks would follow, but they were getting awfully close to my wind. I decided to drop the third doe as the others passed behind me. The lead doe was getting really curious, and had me all but busted. I had to act fast.
I drew back on my 1968 62" 50# factory camo Bear Cub, anchored, and let it fly. D@%^&!!! Right over her back and into the ground about 20 yards away. They took a few jumps and stopped. I blindly grabbed another arrow, and nocked it. I glanced down......ahhhh.....the Bear Razorhead I had as a follow up arrow. The lead doe just could not stand the fact that there was an arrow sticking in the ground. She just had to see what it was. She crept over to check it out, watching me the whole time. As soon as she turned her attention towards the arrow in the ground, I drew........
I remember drawing, and then in an instant I was watching the broadhead go into her. I immediately, and almost with some surprise, said to myself, "I think I pinned her in the heart!?". As I play it back in my mind, I can actually see the arrow's flight. I honestly do not remember the release.
I waited for about 10 minutes, another arrow nocked in case some other deer decided to be stupid. I got down, sent a text to Rich "Got Blood!", marked the first spot and waited.
Rich and I tracked her, between 75-100 yards, found both halves of my arrow along the way, and then found her. I had indeed center punched the heart and caught a lung in the process. The arrow got stuck in her opposite front leg.
I DID IT GUYS!! My first deer with traditional gear. Can't really describe it, probably don't have to, but it is way different than any other hunting feeling I have had with other weapons. It is awesome!
I want to thank my buddy Droptine59. Having him there was just the icing on the cake.