The faint grunts were coming from the thicket directly behind me. I stand and grab my bow just in case. Out pops a spike horn buck thinking he's the man. He proceeds to chase this poor doe around in circles for the next 45 minutes. And she wants no part of him. The mean while watching the cat and mouse game a few other doe have entered the field and are working the edge that will lead them close to my position. So i regain my feet and grab my bow and ready myself for a possible shot at one of the mature doe heading my way.
I suddenly catch movement from the direction in which the spike and doe ran. My thought were that it was one of them two coming back around. Then suddenly realize that is is not the spike or doe but a respectable shooter buck. At this point he is about seventy five yards out and staring back into the woods where I believe the spike and doe are. I do my best mouth grunt to no avail, so I let out a little bit louder one that catches his attention. He now is locked in my direction looking for his adversary. What seems like for ever he just stands there, so I give him my best impression of a snort wheeze. Now it is game on he is coming in ears pinned back and puffed up ready for a fight. At about twenty yards out he cuts into the woods to get down wind. As he is paralleling my position he closes into to about fifteen yards and into one of my only openings on that side. I give a soft bleat ,he stops and before I know it I am at anchor and letting the string slip through my fingers. The shot looked perfect. He did the tell tale donkey kick to confirm my shot. At about fifty yards he stops and hunches up. Almost on instinct load another arrow and all in one fluid motion probably shoot the best shot I have even taken. On impact he lunges and drops. Not even another movement on his part. At this point I am a jumbled ball of nerves. I sit down and reflect what has happened and give thanks.
I sat down until I settled a bit then called my wife and daughter. After climbing down I went over to get my first shot and the arrow confirmed a mortal hit. The blood trail was very visible and led me to where he had stopped and succumb to the second arrow. Not more than five yards away my buck lied. Kneeling beside him I once again gave thanks and showed my appreciation for him giving his life.
It was quite an afternoon. To say I enjoyed myself would be an understatement.
Thanks for riding along and hope all have success,
Ed
Topic: Good night in the PA woods!! (Read 1995 times)
