Haven't been on here in a while, been very busy with work and job seeking since graduating from PSU in the spring. I managed to get out for the first time Friday morning and what a morning it was!
Got into stand about 6:20 and immediately felt a twinge in my stomach. Thought I could wait so sat it out. At 7 saw my first deer of the year, a small 4-point that walked right under me. about 20 minutes later nature started knocking on the door real hard and I made the call to sneak out and sneak back in, leaving all my gear in the tree. I stood up and turned around to see another small buck sneaking into the thick stuff behind me. Waited another 5 minutes to make sure he was gone before climbing down. 15 minutes later I was back in the tree bow in hand. It was a beautiful morning, calm and not too warm and it just felt good to be in stand. Suddenly I caught a flash of antler about 50 yards in front and to the right of me.
I knew right away that he was a legal so I grabbed my bow and got ready. I also noted that something was wrong with him, he had growths covering his body. On his way down the ridge he stopped and rubbed a tree for about a minute before working my way. He was on the same path as the 4-point until he turned right, not coming any closer. I knew it was a bit further than I normally limit myself (20 yards) but I have been shooting very well and felt I could make the shot. He came into the opening and I stopped him with a soft grunt. The rest always happens very fast: Pick a spot, smooth draw, focus on spot the entire time, hit anchor, and release. Immediately the shot felt good, and I watched the arrow arc through the air toward my target. Hit him about 2" higher than where I was looking and knew immediately it was a perfect shot. My arrow sliced through him like a hot knife through butter and he only ran 20 yards before stopping. He walked another 10 yards before falling over within sight.
Well that was long enough. He is a 7-point (8 if you count the sticker on his base) and had a serious case of deer fibroma. Bow is an ILF riser made by me with BlackMax limbs pulling 48# at my draw. Arrows are Easton Gamegetter 500s with a 170 grain grizzly on the end.
My goal for this winter and/or next spring is to make my own ILF limbs to be able to hunt with a bow that is completely my own. But for now this is still pretty special to me!
Topic: Pennsylvania 7-point (Oct. 9th) (Read 498 times)
