Closest encounter I've ever had

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DeerCamp

DeerCamp

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2 replacement spypoint cams came yesterday. Decide yesterday afternoon to put one across the creek, in a very thick area we mostly stay out of. Kind of our sanctuary, but also just hard to cross in the fall. Figured as dry as it has been I might have a chance at crossing.

Had to find a different way through as the normal access is 8-10ft briars now. Nasty stuff.

Skirting around the edge into the woods, I headed towards the creek. Didn't take my bow (and honestly, that was no accident. I don't like to hunt the girls' deer :)

Get about 15 feet from the edge of the creek, which is a steep slope and about 20 feet across. I've got my eyes up looking for the best way through, and did not see the buck that I was walking directly at, until I was literally on top of him.

He had his head hunkered down and was apparently waiting until the last possible minute to bail. From the spot I was standing, he was inside of 10 feet when he jumped up, turned, and cannonballed into the creek. That answered the question of whether it had water in it. LOL.

I would guess he was 3 yo, maybe 115-120" up top.

Definitely the closest I have ever been to a live, wild buck.

I also noted that his bed is extremely worn in - guessing this is a usual bed for him.

So I backed out, hung a camera about 40 feet away pointing towards it, and I hope he eventually comes back.

1666202627444.png
 
BSK said:
I bet your heart skipped a few beats when he jumped up that close!
Click to expand...
I felt really dumb for not seeing him. He was positioned with his back to the creek/cane patch, and his face into the wind overlooking the flat. But he was not hidden well at all (as you can see from his bed), I just wasn't in "deer" mode - I was in "find a way across" mode.

It startled me, but didn't scare me. I was honestly ecstatic to have gotten that close!
 
BSK said:
I bet your heart skipped a few beats when he jumped up that close!
Click to expand...
Do you think I made a mistake hanging a camera so close to his "bedroom"?

Here is the pic it sent when I set it up. About 40 feet from his bed I think.
1666204175711.png
 
It never ceases to amaze me how much I get away with using cameras as long as I don't walk to the camera to check it. I have one long-time set-up where, because of fallen trees, I have to drive my ATV right through the middle of a traditional scrape to check the camera. Doesn't seem to bother the deer a bit. I'll get mature bucks on the scrape all season even though I check it weekly.
 
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TX300mag said:
I hope you permanently relocated him to my side of the creek.

Just kidding, hoping one of your girls get him!
Click to expand...
He made a B-line right towards your backyard! Ha.

But seriously, he did. If he comes back, you'll be the second to know.
 
DeerCamp said:
2 replacement spypoint cams came yesterday. Decide yesterday afternoon to put one across the creek, in a very thick area we mostly stay out of. Kind of our sanctuary, but also just hard to cross in the fall. Figured as dry as it has been I might have a chance at crossing.

Had to find a different way through as the normal access is 8-10ft briars now. Nasty stuff.

Skirting around the edge into the woods, I headed towards the creek. Didn't take my bow (and honestly, that was no accident. I don't like to hunt the girls' deer :)

Get about 15 feet from the edge of the creek, which is a steep slope and about 20 feet across. I've got my eyes up looking for the best way through, and did not see the buck that I was walking directly at, until I was literally on top of him.

He had his head hunkered down and was apparently waiting until the last possible minute to bail. From the spot I was standing, he was inside of 10 feet when he jumped up, turned, and cannonballed into the creek. That answered the question of whether it had water in it. LOL.

I would guess he was 3 yo, maybe 115-120" up top.

Definitely the closest I have ever been to a live, wild buck.

I also noted that his bed is extremely worn in - guessing this is a usual bed for him.

So I backed out, hung a camera about 40 feet away pointing towards it, and I hope he eventually comes back.

View attachment 152951
Click to expand...
Cool story, thanks for sharing
 

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