NJ's early season started last Saturday. Have to take a doe before a buck. Could have taken a skipper Sat. morning but passed. Lots of time left. Nothing Sunday but on Monday morning watched a bachelor group of four rack bucks, one of which was very nice. Not close enough as they were feeding in an adjacent soybean field. Same group that night but only 40 yards this time. The big boy sensed something was wrong. Don't think they winded me as it was in my favor, but you know how those big ones are sometimes. Almost a sixth sense. Was questioning my decision to pass on the skipper Sat. morning should they come close enough for a shot. Thankfully they turned and meandered off but not spooked.
Used a different stand Tuesday morning as I wanted to leave last night's alone for a while just in case those bucks decided it was a little too close and decided to move. A doe and two fawns at 6:30 from the corn field to my right but went straight away at about fifty yards. Then, around 7:30 caught silhouettes of at least three more out about two hundred yards. Obviously too far but got up with bow in hand just in case they decided to turn and come my way. While watching them, suddenly caught movement to my right and almost directly behind at 10 yards. A nice big doe, all alone. Actually chewed off a few leaves from a nearby bush and was looking right in my direction at about 15 feet. Remained motionless and she moved off to about 10 yards and at that point drew and connected. She went about 50 and could hear her pile up.
Was using my new Blacktail Columbian longbow with a CE Heritage 90 and a Bear greenie. Did the job. Hunting alone so had about at least a quarter mile drag. But it was a labor of love.
Now, back to those big guys.
To be continued.