A big hello from N.East, Ohio. My name is Dave and I have a problem. I love to shoot trad gear. This morning I had a great hunt. I know I'm going to let you down right now because I don't have pics yet but here's the story. I'm making my way to my stand about ten after six in the moonlit night when I cross the final barbed wire fence before my stand. I stopped to listen before proceeding to make sure nothing was approaching on my final 35 yds. to the stand when I hear footsteps approaching. Wishfully hoping they were coons turned into two very large bodied deer not 10 yards in front of me stopping under and apple tree and proceeding to eat. I had stopped in a moonlit spot so It was a matter of time before they saw me. Well...they saw me and proceeded to snort, blow stop there way across the township. HUNT OVER before it started.... I thought. I got to my stand, settled in and waited for daybreak. When it was light enough to see I started rattling and about 5 min. after to the east I saw my first deer in daylight. Could not tell what it was as it was about 80 yards away going behind me. About 8:30 a big doe and a youngin came down the fence and under the apple tree. I had shot a doe 2-1/2 weeks ago (which I'll eventually post) so I had a decision to make. I'm trying to buck hunt right know so do I shoot or don't shoot. I was definitely passing on the youngin so I decided since I was already severely busted in the morning I would take the shot if it presented itself on mama. Well lucky for her the winds were swirling and she got a little nervous. She never came close enough and she didn't bolt. She just drifted south. That was great! I love seeing deer(in daylight ). It got to 9:00 am and I was feeling guilty that I should get to work but I just couldn't make myself leave. At 9:15 guilt got the better of me and I was taking one last look around when from the south I see a deer approaching the apple tree. ANTLERS! Nice enough. I've yet in all my years of hunting been lucky enough to harvest a wall hanger but they're all trophies to me anyway. He cautiously approaches the apple tree which is 35yds away from me. The wind must still have been swirling and he was catching wiffs of me. I finally got a strong cross wind and he settled down some and proceeded to eat. He popped his head up a couple minutes later and walked toward me a few steps. He was facing me at about 25yrds standing like a statue and I knew this wasn't good. He then turned to leave and stopped broadside to eat browse. An overhanging branch from the apple tree was blocking a shot while I was standing in my stand so I crouched down. Perfect! I picked a spot, started to draw when a hawk swooshed over the deers back then headed straight at me going over my right shoulder and landing in the tree behind me then started screeching. The deer jolted and looked toward me then calmed real soon. He put his head down, I finished my draw, anchored, spot, burn spot, release......PERFECT HIT! Tucked right behind his shoulder and centered the heart. The shot was about 28 yrds. He went about 120yrds. with an unbelievable blood trail. He's a fine 7 point with a big body and a very swollen neck. I shot him with the same Woodsman Broadhead I harvested the doe with and the one I missed a turkey with on Monday.(thats another story)and now I can't find it. My arrow broke and I found the front half but can't find the broadhead. I shoot a Bob Lee Hunter 56# @ 28, Goldtip arrows and Wensel Woodsmans. In the Bob Lee trophy gallery, I've got a pic from a 9 point I shot last year. Thanks for letting me post this great hunt and I hope its not long winded. I like the long stories you guys have posted because I like to hear other peoples experiences. I'll try to get pics soon because I need to figure out how to post them. I'm new! Thanks guys and God Bless.
I think I've got pics here.
Topic: PICS ADDED!!!!! Hello Trad Gang. Longtime visitor, first time contributer with story (Read 542 times)
