This morning was windy and warm, and after 2 hours of nearly getting seasick in a treestand, I decided to do a bit of still hunting. I had one specific area in mind; it is a well used bedding area, and I have had little success getting there without spooking deer. So, this morning, the wind was perfect to check the area, and the wind noise was helping me be somewhat stealthier.
I got to the area after moving verrrry slowwwwly, and was glassing when down a well used trail, I saw a nice whitetail. He seemed intent on the trail, which was good luck for me.
I saw what would be a good place for a shot if he should continue on his route, and got ready. This buck evidently had read the script, because on he came, and when he got to where I planned on shooting, he hesitated. Bad move on his part.
I don't remember shooting, but the arrow appeared in his side, and he turned and ran, with the arrow showing just a bit of fletching out of his side.
Now, the interminable wait began. The area where he ran is an open field, but because of brush, I couldn't see where he went, so I stood and replayed the shot over and over again. My replays kept telling me that the shot was good, but since he moved when I shot, I wasn't sure. After about 15 minutes, I went the 20 yards to where he stood when I shot, and I found a few drops of blood, and earth that was churned up where he ran. I backed off again, and in another eternity (15 minutes), I took up the trail, and immediately I ran out of blood.
I could find no blood after about 15 feet, so I began yet another slow stalk in the direction that he ran. It didn't take long to see an antler tip; in fact he only went 50 paces. Here he is:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v47/ceastes/P1020841.jpg)
Autopsy showed lungs, liver and paunch got hit, and I doubt he lasted 10 seconds. For those who are interested, I used a 56# Pronghorn t/d, cedar arrows, and Magnus 2 blade. At the shot, he turned, which gave me an extreme quartering away shot. The arrow entered back, but penetrated paunch, liver and lungs, and was buried to the fletch.
Nice buck! Congratulations!
Congrats!!! Job well done. Thanks for sharing. :thumbsup:
:thumbsup: :archer:
Thats a real beauty there...well done!
Great Job and congrats! Oh I love the hat! :thumbsup: :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Beautiful Buck! Congrats!!
Alright Pat!! Congrats buddy!! :thumbsup:
Wow nice buck, especially taken from the ground!
Awesome buck!!! Congratulations..Mike
Pat , thats a dandy!! :)
Very nice buck, congrats!
That's the way I like to do it! Good shootin too you, Pat! :thumbsup:
Great job !
Nice buck Pat!!!
That's a fine buck right there....looks like a big bodied rascal too.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: Congrats!!
Great job, congrats! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Nice Buck. Is that one of the Bucks You had pictures of the other day?
No, this is a different buck. After I shot this one, I saw a bigger one in the same area. Next year is looking good!
Congrats!
Your killing me with those western whitetails! Way to go!!
Awesome....very pretty buck!!
Outstanding, Pat, Congratulations!! Definitely one for the memories.
Is that a Cav insig on your hat?
:clapper: :clapper:
Is that a Cav insig on your hat?
Yep, sure is. 3rd Squadron, 4th Cav, 25th Inf Div, a long time ago.
Congratulations he is a handsome buck!
Well-done! And that's a great photo, too!
Good shooting, nice deer..
Well Done......My friend.....Well Done :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Sure goes to show I live on the WRONG SIDE of the Mts. Every things shut down here septum special elk
:thumbsup:
Nice deer :thumbsup:
good soldier
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Nice bow, buck and pic.
:thumbsup: :clapper:
Very nice looking buck. Congrats and thanks for sharing! :thumbsup: :clapper:
Yep! That's a good morning! Congratulations!
So many great stories!!!
I love reading about each and every one!
Thanks for sharing, and congrats!!!
Beautiful buck, and yet again, another great photo! :thumbsup:
Great deer and off the ground is an added bonus. Very nice.