Had a good day on Monday while hunting at my place in Indiana. The morning was cool and crisp and right at first light a nice looking doe came sauntering by at about 12 yards. The shot looked perfect and I watched the direction she went. I didn't see her fall, but knew she wasn't far. I decided to stay on stand to see if a buck might be interested in her as well. I did see a few small bucks, but nothing I wanted to shoot. I stayed on stand until about 10 AM and then got down to track the doe. I got to about 40 yards and heard movement. I snuck forward and saw a coyote. I inched forward a bit more and saw three coyotes tearing at the doe I had killed. I launched an arrow at the biggest yote from about 40 yards, but came up a bit short. Here's a picture of the doe.
I went out for lunch and checked some Emails and was a little concerned to hear of a pretty big work reorganization. I knew it was coming but didn't know when the formal announcement would be made. I also learned my boss had been let go. I knew I would need to cut my hunt short and head back to NY and work to just calm things and be close if needed. I decided I would hunt that night and the next morning and then head home. I then decided I wouldn't be too selective in choosing a buck to shoot. I'd already passed probably 10 different small buck. I have two sons in college that love deer meat and the last time my oldest son came home he left with a 40# suitcase of venison. My younger boy took about as much. My wife said to be sure to shoot lots of deer this year for them. Oh gee, I guess I'll do what I can.
The evening hunt was pretty slow until a big bodied buck decided to show. He wasn't the big trophy I was hoping for, but he had lots of meat on his bones. My shot was right where I was looking and I watched him run in a half circle, bounce off a tree and die in sight. I stayed in the stand hoping for a doe, but none showed.
Here's what he looked like when I walked up.
A good sized deer that will provide several meals for my family.
The next morning's hunt didn't provide any shooting opportunities for a doe I was wanting for more meat. I did have a little doe in heat scent on my boots and this guy tracked me right to my tree. That's love in his eyes and he thought I smelled sexy.
Hopefully, he'll find me just as attractive in a couple years when he grows up.
Overall, it was a good day and a fun hunt with an old buddy.
Topic: Indiana Double (Read 916 times)
