-
-
In spite of the heat wave, I ventured into the woods this past Friday morning. But it was a special day. It is 9 years to the day of my first archery buck. A respectable 8 point. Then I switched to traditional gear into 2009. I have taken several doe since and hunted on the ground exclusively but haven’t had a good shot at a buck. This year I began using my climbing tree stand again. I would use it based on the terrain I was hunting. Lots of places I hunt are wide open with large trees so it lends itself to getting off the ground.
So this morning I got up and got out to my old haunt. I haven’t been there in 5 years. I was sweating my ass off before I got near my spot. I found the old tree I used for years in the past. I took my time climbing the tree, settled in, and relaxed. It was very cloudy so the daylight kind of just oozed into the woods. The wind was blowing strong making it hard to pick out animals moving about. So I was looking over my shoulder checking behind me and when I turned around I saw him walking towards me head on. He kept coming as I got set for a shot. At about 18 yards he froze and looked right at me. I thought for sure he was going to bolt. But he just turned to his right and gave me an open broadside shot. I raised my bow and bent at the waist. I picked my spot drew and let the string slide away. My arrow vanished into the buck. Perfect spot I thought. He ran 20 yards and stopped and looked around. But before I could doubt my shot he started to stumble. He ran another 10 yards and then fell over. What a great feeling. I called my wife and told her the great news.
I got down from the tree and gathered my gear and returned to my truck. I stowed my hunting gear and got my processing equipment. I walked up to the buck and gave thanks. I then set to work. I quartered him and caped him out. I then packed him out. Man it beat dragging him out!!! I got him home and all settled in the fridge for aging. What a great day.
I had a great season with several close encounters with many doe and some small bucks as well as with all types of wildlife. There was also a great group hunt with Mike and Jason. It was great that nine years later I was able to kill my first trad buck in the same spot as my first buck ever. I always said my first trad buck would be mounted no matter the size. So off to the taxidermist he went. What a great year so far, now it is time for so turkey and grouse!!!
Bow is an Elkheart with traditional only arrows tipped with tuffheads.
-
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.