themanpcl
Well-Known Member
So for the first time, I am bucked out in 2 states (TN, IL). My 14th sit in this same stand/location this season so I've about dismissed the burn stand out theory..lol). Alarm went off at 4a. I REALLY wanted to turn it off and roll over. Knew it would be in the low 20's but I got up and got ready. Got in with no bumps and was set up 45 mins before legal light. Such a cool time listening to the woods wake up. At sunrise, I bleated and grunted. About 30 mins after, I saw the first antlerless group of 4. I say antlerless because I'm pretty sure there is a button that the mom has been chasing off for 2 weeks now. They stop and eat, milling around about 20 yds from me. I sit still because I know if I move, they will pick me off. Wind was supposed to be good for me but it couldn't figure out how it wanted to blow but luckily it was rising. Following closely behind the group of 4 was a basket 6. I "freshened" (peed in it) my mock scrape on the way in. The does sniffed and the buck paid attention. They all crossed my tracks in but none got tense. The group of 4 moved toward my tree but began to hook back behind me and walk up the ridge. I was facing downhill. The buck hung around and was acting like he was bothered so I was hoping for another bigger buck. He eventually filtered up the ridge behind the group. Figured they were all gone and I had to pee so I stood up. Apparently one of the deer had not gone away and saw me. 2 toots and it wandered off. I peed and got seated again. Did another round of bleat/grunt. About 15 mins later, my second group of 4 came up and did the same as the others just milled around longer and got 10 yds from the stand before going up the hill. Changed gopro batteries and sat and waited. After they had moved up the hill, a lone, big body deer caught my peripheral and got my attention. It was at 120 yds taking a down hill track but angling my general direction. Could not get it in the scope or binos. Then it vanished. I could hear it but could not see it for about 3 mins. If it was a doe, she was going down even though I still have bucks rutting, I was going to drop her. I was following the sound and eventually saw a head, then horns. He was about 90 yds and no shot available but I could see he was a shooter for me. He was nose to ground and on a mission. Probably following the does from earlier which came from that way. I looked around to make sure no other eyes were on me and then I stood up. He was walking broadside now. I was trying to see were I'd have a spot to shoot. The direction and path he was taking was going to take him in front of me but only a couple openings to squeeze in a shot. I waited as he walked behind 2 trees and stopped with his head blocked bu the tree. I threw the scope on him. He was at 70 yds or so. I could see from the shoulder to the back of the ribs between 2 trees. Only a small window to shoot and a short time. If he goes past that opening, I may not have any shot as it is full of saplings and bushes. I put the crosshairs on a spot behind the front shoulder. I am at a steep angle. Pull the trigger. Boom. Like he got hit by Tyson. I would find out why in about 30 seconds. He took off up the hill in my direction. I had another shell loaded and was ready to deliver a closer if necessary. He made it to 15 yds from the base of my tree. He wobbled, fell and coughed. All is could see was blood where he fell and blowing out his mouth. I had no real shot for a closer. He wasn't getting up but I wanted to stop the movement. 30 seconds and he was still. Took me about 15 mins to get composed enough to scale down the tree. While I sat and composed, 3 more does wlked up 20 yds form me. I scaled down the tree and stepped off the 15 yds fro tree to deer. I looked at him as he lay on the side opposite of where I shot. There was a huge hole blown out at the sternum. I flipped him over and looked at where the shot entered right behind the shoulder and examined the intrails when I gutted him. I think the shot was at such an angle that it entered behind the shoulder, blew through the heart (it was ripped in half) and then exited, making the gaping hole on the way out (pic 3). I was tagged out in TN and felt so blessed. To have gone from no lease and no place to hunt private at the beginning of the season (lost lease I had last season and thought I'd be hunting public land) to bucked out before Christmas with 2 good bucks. It was a blessing! Now it's time to drop some does. Saw 10 does total in this one sit.
