Just...not...quite...close...enough. I was able to close the distance from nearly 400+ yards to within 45. There’s a long man made hill about 3 miles long and 60-90’ tall and it provides a good view of a long strip of public land. It was nearly 5:30 and just after I got out of the truck heading down the top “hill” I noticed a group of deer feeding towards the property line where I’d hav e a chance to get in front of them if I booked it. There were 2 bucks and at least 4 does/yearlings, with at least one decent buck. I was far enough off that they didn’t see me approaching as I slipped down the lake dam. Quickly I was able to get to the base and slipped into a fold that runs along the dam and the road that demarcates the legal hunting zone.
I knew I was getting close tow where they were and every few yards I’d pop up to the road and glass then return to the fold to sneak another 10yds or so down. Eventually I was able to spot a tell tale flicking ear of the bigger buck. He appeared alone and just 45ish yards away. After what seemed like an hour a vehicle passed by up top and drew his attention in my direction staring directly at me. He went back to feeding I lost sight of him in the tall grass. When I put the Leupolds back to my eyes I noticed some movement just to the side of where he was. I thought “how the heck did he move nearly 10yds with out me seeing??!!” Then I noticed two things: 1, it’s a smaller buck, & 2 he’s staring right at me! Crap!!!!
And that’s pretty much where it ended. Ugg. It was exhilarating and draining. Gotta do it again!