Talk about a crazy afternoon. I went hunting yesterday afternoon one some of the food plots around my area. It was a nice cool evening , about 30 degrees, fogggy with a mild breeze, perfect for a food plot.
I have hunted this plot 5 times since 2010 started. Every time I set it I have seen deer, usually about 5-7 each afternoon. Problem was that they always come in a different way, feed in the middle of the plot and leave out a different way. I have always managed to see them, but never managed a shot at these deer.
Well that all changed yesterday. I was sitting in a tree about 15' high. About an hour and a half before dark the same herd of deer walked out about 100 yards down the plot. Same old story tonight!! I thought to myself. Well I had watched them feed for 30 min or so, then I noticed something different. One of the does had started feeding right toward me. Things are looking up!
About another 30 min passes and still the doe is feeding my way, but now she has some company. 3 more have joined her. I am watching a hole at about 25 yards (there is a thin strip of trees between me and the deer)where she should pass in the next few minutes when everything exploded. There were white flags flying and deer running the woods were thrashing and poping from rampaging deer, I had no idea what was happening.
I had already prepared for a shot, slid my foot to the edge of my Windwalker so I would not hit my arm on the tree when I drew my bow, picked a spot for the shot (not on the deer yet), and started getting focused. But everything had just changed in the blink of the eye, nothing was what it should have been. I saw two of the does run about 25 yards to my right into a thicket and two were running straight to me. I shot one of the does running at me before I ever thought about it. I know I am gonna catch some heat from some of yall for a non-ethical shot, but I watched the arrow pass through her before I ever even thought about what all was happening.
The hit was perfect. She only ran about 20 more feet, yes, 20 feet before she piled up. I turned back around to see the cause of all of the disaray, a yote looking for dinner. I almost got a shot at him too, but he was not willing to try to chase down running deer and turned aroud at about 55 yards.
Even thought it was not the "perfect" hunt it is one that I will definately remember. Several firsts on this one. This was the first deer that I killed with this particular bow, a new to me Robertson from Shick here on TG. It is a 53#@28" 66" Primal Styk. This was the first deer I have ever killed in the snow, pretty hard to do in the south. Even thought I did not have to blood trail it I was pleased. I always wanted to kill one in the snow so I could bloodtrail it myself, I am color blind. This was also the first running deer I have ever shot. Although, not intentional and not what I normally do or would reccomend, it happened.
Three firsts, what a night.
John