@fulldraw
Well-Known Member
Yesterday evening was an experience I'll never forget. I had four bucks run by just out of range from the neighbors around 6:15. One good buck and three younger, smaller ones. They headed up the woods away from me. Then a doe and fawn got down wind of me and started stomping and walking around me. She never snorted thank goodness. Two of the bucks must have seen her because they were heading toward my direction. Eventually they got under my tree and the big one was finally walking my way. Now these bucks came from behind my tree so you can imagine the awkwardness of the shot. This buck turned broadside at 45 yds. I took the shot since I was afraid the small bucks were about to smell me and spook. Apparently, the angle and my body position caused me to shoot to the right, way right. Normally, my miss is up and down. The buck trotted toward me and stopped, facing my tree at 25 yds. I got another arrow nocked and waited for him to turn. Well, he turned and moves right behind a big red maple tree and bedded. All I could see was his head and tail. The other deer just stayed around eating acorns and I watched him until dark. I shot him about 6:50. I couldn't get down for being afraid of spooking him so I stayed in the tree until 8:30ish. About 8:00 I heard him thrash around so I figured he did his death kick. I eased down and the rest is history. The shot was terrible and I'm kicking myself but luckily I caught an artery and he bled out.
I apologize for the crappy pics. My plan was to let him hang and take pics in the morning. My taxi said to get the velvet in the freezer as soon as possible. He's my biggest and had to measure him a couple times. I did not think he was this big. I thought 140ish when I shot but I'm tickled to death. I can honestly say I doubt I'll shoot a velvet buck again due to care taken to keep from damaging it.
I apologize for the crappy pics. My plan was to let him hang and take pics in the morning. My taxi said to get the velvet in the freezer as soon as possible. He's my biggest and had to measure him a couple times. I did not think he was this big. I thought 140ish when I shot but I'm tickled to death. I can honestly say I doubt I'll shoot a velvet buck again due to care taken to keep from damaging it.
arty:
