Buck down. He isn’t the biggest buck in the woods, or even the biggest buck I saw on the hunt, but none the less – one buck tag filled!
It all started when I got situated in a tripod stand on Opening Morning, Friday, November 18th. I was in the stand for only a few minutes, when a young 6pt came walking up. He came right in to 20 yards, and just nosed around for a few minutes. As he was leaving – another buck showed up, about 100 yards away. He looked bigger – much bigger!
I couldn’t make out how big he really was, and didn’t want to shoot a younger deer – so I passed on him broadside at 80 yards. Just after the bigger buck disappeared – in comes a text from my Uncle – “Shooter 8pt headed your way”.
Great. He was old enough! Oh well, the morning is still early and he may come by again.
Not 15 minutes after the two bucks moved off, a doe comes from the West, and going into the same piece of timber the bucks went in. Perfect! I was hoping she would draw the attention of the bigger buck, and he’s chase her within range of the Mossberg 835.
Again, about 20 minutes later a see the bigger buck and doe, up on the wooded ridge. Probably 150 yards away. It was through brush, and I wasn’t comfortable enough with the shot, so I passed.
Close, but no cigar!
Half hour later – I catch movement near a clump of willows -and I see antlers, and a good sized body deer walking away. It’s HIM! So I shoulder the gun, and get a squared up on the dandy 8pt.
80 yards. Quartering away. With a scope. And a solid rest.
The Mossberg barked, and I drilled him. He’s still looking around as to what happened, and I shoot a couple more times. All shots found their mark, and he does down!
Elated – I gather my gear, and head for my trophy. I walk up on him, and unbeknownst to me – it wasn’t a mature 8pt I thought he was – rather a dandy 2.5 year old deer with lots of promise. Those things happen – and it was still a hunt I’ll never forget!
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