The story Bob wants me to tell is very simple, first of all, its true, he has taught me so much you cant imagine. This deer being my second trad deer, and my first trad buck.
I usually hunt the same stand year after year, which I didnt climb up in it till about 6:30 am. Got a late start we'd been to camp since sunday and I just finished up a 68 hour shift at the firehouse sunday morning.
On the way into my stand, I put out a couple scent bombs with that code blue stuff you can buy at wally world. I have had decent luck with it in years past so why not use it some more?
Got set up in my stand, all harnessed in and sat for around 20 min. I heard some noise out about 75 yards in front of me, but couldnt see anything, its quite thick out that way. Heard some more noise and all of a sudden theres a buck about 15 yds to my right coming in at a gallup. He stops around 12 yds behind a tree, his head and neck exposed but no shot. I never saw him approach, theres a big pine tree on my right at about 2 o'clock, thats were they all sneak in from.
I figured I was doomed to be caught as I had to stand and turn 45 degrees to my right to get off a shot. He never even noticed me, and was focused on sniffing the odor from the scent bomb that was upwind. He happened to be standing between the 2 of them and the wind blew it in his face stopping him in his tracks! Fortunately for me he decided to look upwind trying to zero in on that sweet smell, his nose was working overtime.
He then decided to take 2 steps forward, which gave me just enouph time to stand up, draw and pic a spot. He was still looking the other way when I let her fly. this all took place in under a minute. Bob and I call it a gift from God when this stuff happens.
The arrow went in just an inch behind the right shoulder blade taking out his right lung, the top of his heart and then came out his arm pit,and through his left front leg. He reared back, snapped off the knock end of the arrow and took off running, I watched him head into the thick stuff behind me but never saw him fall down.
I was shaking as the adrenyline was pumping and just couldnt believe what had just transpired.
I waited a half an hour before I got down to start looking for blood. I have seen deer run a long ways mortally wounded, and I didnt want to loose this one as it looked like it may rain. I retrieved what was left of my arrow and started out on a trail of turned up leaves and tracks. Didnt have to walk more than 50 yds and there he was laying dead next to the brush pile. Never did find any blood till I was almost on top of him.
I called Bob on his phone because I thought he was hunting in his portable climber nearby, turns out he wasnt. At the same time he was going to dial me and tell me he had a buck down. I couldnt believe it! We had each shot two nice bucks in less than a hour apart.
This happened last year Bob had shot a real nice buck and 20 min later I shot my first trad deer a doe.
I guess we will have to make it a rule not to go hunting during the rut without the other. You cant make this stuff up!
Sorry for the long post!
Once again thanks to Bob, my life long friend and mentor!
Also happy Birthday to my 69 kodiak magnum! What a way to show your stuff after 40 years!
Pete