Archery 4x4

[RackTracker]

This story really begins in 2013. I archery deer hunted almost every day in December and January of that year without success. I had numerous failed stalks and lots of near misses but I definitely had the archery bug. I killed a small buck on the evening of the first day in December 2014. I could only hunt a few days in January before having to return to college to prepare for the upcoming baseball season. I already started counting down the days until December 11, 2015. I practiced shooting my bow all summer and anytime I came home during long weekends.

 

On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, I went on a preseason scouting trip. I located this buck and watched him for several hours. I took pictures and video and decided this would be my number one target for the December hunt. I named the buck Crawdad.

 

On 12-8-15, I was out early again to try and find Crawdad. I located him at first light with 10 does. I took more pictures and video and then decided to leave him alone until opening morning.

 

On opening morning, my dad and I were on the mountain 30 minutes before light. At about 6:55 I heard the three magic words, "I got him." The good news was my dad located Crawdad. The bad news was he had 18 does with him. Within minutes of finding him, I took off on the stalk with my dad on top of the mountain with a radio. I went off the backside of the mountain and circled around until I got on the opposite side of the deer and the wind in my face. I was about 200 yards from Crawdad and his does at this point. I took off my pack and shoes and put on two additional pairs of socks to ease the pain of the cactus covered ground. I slowly started creeping towards the group of deer. My dad could see me but could no longer see the deer because they had fed behind the ridge between us. After about an hour, I had closed the distance to 100 yards. Most of the deer were bedded with only a couple does still feeding. It had been about an hour and a half since I had seen Crawdad but I knew he had to be bedded somewhere in front of me. I inched my way forward another 30 yards until I heard a deer jump from its bed. I had four doe staring at me at 67 yards. Then more doe begin to appear from the trees. At this point I can see most of the 18 doe but Crawdad is nowhere to be found. I sit there motionless for about half an hour as the deer mill around in the trees. My legs are burning. I had to make something happen. I began to crawl forward an inch at a time. I make it about 10 yards when through two palo verde trees I see a white nose. I lift up the binos and there he is! I was within 50 yards of Crawdad but can only see his white face through the trees. I try to move around the trees but only make it a few feet when a group of does bust me. They began to walk off at 60 yards. Crawdad does not follow but instead turns away and trots up the ridge. He stops suddenly quartering away at 79 yards. I draw and steady my 80 yard pin right behind the shoulder. All the hard work and hours shooting my bow came down to this one shot. I touch off the release and SWHACK!!! Crawdad buckles and takes off running away from his does. I quickly call my dad on the radio and tell him that I had just smoked him! At this point I can barely walk from all the cactus in my feet and uncontrollable shaking from excitement. I make my way to where he was standing and immediately find blood. I mark the spot and go back to get my pack and boots. I have never been so excited to see a pair of shoes in my life. I met up with my dad and after exchanging high fives I show him how everything unfolded. We wait the longest hour and 45 minutes of my life before we start following the blood to the last place I saw Crawdad as he bounded away.

 

The blood trail was really good but as each step I took I got more and more nervous. Then out of nowhere I look up to see Crawdad walking up a ridge. He was hit really hard but the shot was a little back. My dad and I watch as Crawdad beds down 320 yards away. We sit there for about an hour and a half until Crawdad finally expired in his bed. I hugged my dad and thanked him for all the help. I could not have done it without him. He has taught me everything I know and I am so glad I was able to share this experience with him. Walking up to my buck is a moment I will never forget. Crawdad is finally down! After hours and hours of watching him prior to the hunt, I was finally able to get my hands on him. He is by far my biggest buck to date. The countdown begins until January 1st. Only 18 more days!!!

[singleshot]

Thats a really nice buck! and a great shot at that.

[muledeerarea33?]

Congrats!!

[Flatlander]

Sweet buck. Congrats.

[Viper]

Thats a great buck!! Great stalk, great shot!

[WHALE]

Great buck thanks for sharing

[carpcody]

Heck of a buck. Good job man! I can't wait for the 1st.

[creed_az_88]

Man that's cool. I love the last pic of him facing away from the camera.

[OpticNerd]

Congrats! Nothing better than hunting big desert muleys in the rut except maybe hunting big desert coues in the rut. Thanks for posting.

[rossiranch]

Nicely done!!

[mattys281]

Awesome buck! Nicely done, congrats!

[Will K]

Nice job.

[AZbowhntr]

Great buck. It is awesome when a plan comes together and actually works.

[olmos1010]

Helluva buck, Congrats.

[Big Browns]

WOW, great Buck! You da man!!!!