On day seven we caught an afternoon without rain. We went straight to the top of the nearest mountain and started trying to stalk deer. I found a buck in a chute and was able to get within 70 yards using a boulder for cover. After that it was nothing but 2'' tall grass to hide behind. I settled down, said a prayer, and began waiting. After a half hour of the buck feeding away, he turned, and began getting closer. Thump..Thud.Thump, went my heart rate faster and faster.
At thirty yards I started planning for the worst. I was out in the open and thought the buck would likely see me before a good shot presented itself. Then I lost the buck for a second, only to realize he had bedded down thirty yards from me. I studied his antlers and ears to determine which direction he faced. When he faced away the second time it started a chain reaction. Rise to a knee, pick a spot, arrow on its way, shot sails home, and the buck expires quickly. I can still see the fletching find it's mark frame by frame in my mind. I say another prayer, this one to say thanks.
It took us about two and a half hours to process the buck. Another couple to hike back to camp. I have to give my buddy all the credit though, he really knew his way around processing that deer. We got about 65lbs of meat.
Topic: An Alaska DIY hunt in Pictures... (Read 2837 times)
