natureboyfloyd Report post Posted December 5, 2009 My antler size is going the other direction. I will not contribute to the thread of harvesting Monster Bucks. This is the last-hour-of-the-hunt spike. This spike I shot in 08. After a hard but doe filled weekend hunt, I had some pesonal business that fell through, planned on Wednesday, and thus I drove the dark drive of solitude, and ended up on a sit near some fresh tracks. Earlier, I passed up a 280 plus shot on two bucks, using my pack as a rest from the prone, as I just felt like I could stalk closer (did not...something spooked 'em a little). I played the scenario over and over, but that distance is at the edge of my 30-30, unscoped, and I had not practiced enough long range stuff. However, hopeful with two hours left in the hunt, I still glassed from my sit site. A brief, almost ghost- like shilloutte on a far ridge, and then it was gone. Was I tired and imagining things? I glassed again, and a deer, large at the long distance, was surely there, maybe 3/4 mile or so, and I packed my layers away, walked fast, through some does and then up the ridge. Two does came quick into me, the wind in my favor. I squatted in the grass, rifle ready. I recalled the post about bucks and does getting together, and I thought of the large deer I saw an hour earlier. The does came in, feeding on shin dagger, maybe 25 yards, and one could sorta of sense me. Then, a spike. Oh boy, what a small one, and I witheld shooting until I could really verify. Likewise, he verified me at 20 yards and started to run. My first shot went right over his back, and on making the second shot I took the extra micro second to lead him properly, and boom, the round hit his front shoulder. He hit some brush, leapt up, and boom, I shot again. A small animal, but meat nonetheless. I took the animal gifted to me. I commited mistakes this hunt, and have much to learn. For instance, Sunday, I had an unkown opportunity earlier, making a small fire to warm some coffee after the rain, only to later, an hour or so, read the tracks of how the deer snuck away from my small, non-stealthy brew up. A hearty thanks to all who shared comments. Merry Christmas, and God Bless. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TAIL CHASER Report post Posted December 5, 2009 Good eats is better then tag soup! Congrats on a successfull hunt and way to stick it out to the bitter end. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
longshooter Report post Posted December 5, 2009 That thing still has milk on its lips. I shot one smaller than that in body and horn size about 20 years ago. Best eating deer I ever ate. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DUG Report post Posted December 5, 2009 Congrats! At least you had an easy pack out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bowhunter4life Report post Posted December 5, 2009 30-30 and no scope! That is getting it done. enjoy some good eatin! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coues Archer Report post Posted December 5, 2009 Great job. Better than eating your tag. Congrats. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FlyingW Report post Posted December 5, 2009 Nice job !!! Congrats Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bobbyo Report post Posted December 5, 2009 Very poetic write up. I enjoyed the read. Thanks, and congratulations on your buck. Bob Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
