Let’s skip a head to yesterday now…
8/26/2009
This was my last day I had to deer hunt. I sent the guy’s on their way and went to the same spot I took this buck last year.
The night before, it had rained pretty well, making the stalking great.
Slowly and methodically, Gauge and I made our rounds with a great wind in our face. After an hour of heavy searching through the early morning shadows, I spotted two yearling bucks foraging on the sweet bitter brush that deer love so much.
I watched for an hour or so as the two bucks went about their business un-aware of Gauge and I’s presents and malice intentions.
After a while the spike went about his way, leaving the 2x2 on his own. It’s a funny thing how the predator and prey circle of life works. I thought heavily if a mountain lion has ever watched me this way, with the same intentions and all. I know a bear has and so does Ben. But like I say, we’ll get into that later…..
After a few minutes, the nice yearling buck made his way to a clump of oak brush and bedded down is such a perfect spot for a stalk that made my heart beat a little faster. The conditions were so perfect. Nice wet ground and a moderate breeze right in my face.
I signed Gauge to lay and stay, put arrow to string, checked the sharpness of the Zwickey Delta and began the couple hundred yard stalk.
Before I knew it, I was 50 yards from the buck. I looked back to check on Gauge and he was following me. He knew he was supposed to stay, but he can’t help but be apart of everything I do. He was hanging back about 30 yards from me, but making no noise. I thought he couldn’t hurt anything and as long as he stayed back, that would be good enough. Besides that, I had bigger fish (or back strap) to fry.
I don’t remember sneaking those last few yards, but before I knew it, I was well within distance. I talked myself through the shot before it happened. I could see all but the bucks eyes. His ears were at attention in my direction, but he continued to chew his cud. He was broadside.
I whistled softy to stand the buck, and when he stood, I drew my bow. I hit anchor and sent the arrow….
At the sound of the shot, the deer swapped ends….. I made a perfect shot. I was shooting at the left side of the deer, but hit him on his right side, right square in the hind quarters…. I was sick enough to puke…