I had some good fortune Saturday morning.
At about 8:00 along came two does. My good luck was that I couldn't get to my bow without being spotted. I was caught day dreaming and was somewhat unaware. No way I could reach for my bow and not be seen. Especially since the cover, leaves from a small basswood tree, were now on the forest floor since our Thursday blow.
My treestand is probably better for some gun hunter. I don't know who put it up. It was a wooden stand, quite sturdy, but only 12 feet off the ground. The only saving grace was that the tree is probably three and a half feet in diameter, providing lots of back cover. And, for myself, a lefty, in order to be able to draw, I needed to be standing on the side of this contraption rather than sitting on the little bench.
Anyway, I figured since I was wasn't going to get any venison from these does, I might as well get ready in case they were being followed. That took a whole hour, but sure enough, here he came at 9:00 as on a string.
Of course, I knew exactly where he'd pass. But, just as he got in a perfect spot, 18 yards, he turned 45 degrees for a sweet quarter away angle and stopped.
I didn't need a tree limb falling on my head to figure this out. "Wait for your shot" philosophy had just delivered.
I would have taken one of the does because I don't have any venison left. Plus, I don't usually get very particular anyway. So, it was a good thing I had my hands in my pocket an hour earlier.
The eight point ran about 40 yards through the open woods, then walked another 30 before deciding to settle down. He went directly toward my car, so he saved me some dragging to boot!
I hope everyone else does well this season also. The rut is just getting started. So, I think there will be some good stories to come.
I'll try posting this and a picture. This is my second attempt. So, we'll see.