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Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Guru on April 04, 2011, 09:11:00 PM

Title: "Lucky"
Post by: Guru on April 04, 2011, 09:11:00 PM

He earned that name back on opening day of the '09 season. I let him walk as a 2 1/2yr old 7pt.

He walked by at seven yards and then hammered a scrape that was less than 20yds. away...
•     (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/lucky7pt.jpg)
•     (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/lucky7pt1.jpg)
•     (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/lucky7pt2.jpg)

15 minutes later he pushed a doe by me, I shot the doe. Then here he came by again at about 10yds....he got another free pass.

Everyone I showed the pix to told me I was nuts to pass him up around here. Never saw him again in '09...


Early this past fall, in September, this guy showed up on one of my trail cams under a few White Oaks...
•     (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/DSC_0106lucky.JPG)
•     (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/DSC_0108lucky.JPG)

I immediately knew it was "Lucky" by the spacing between his tines, and he'd grown quite a bit as a 3 1/2yr. old.

Then again on a hot srape that was being hammered by several bucks. The same scrape that "Lucky" worked in the earlier pix from '09...
•     (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/DSC_0014stc.JPG)


If there was one buck I could have picked to kill around here, he definately would have been the one. He was close to home, where there isn't too many good bucks and I just felt like he was "the one".

I really felt confident I'd get a crack at him.

I hunted close by the scrape several times, only when conditions were perfect...never laid eyes on him, or any of the other bucks that were hitting the scrape.

As the season progressed, I moved further in the property and found a perfect ambush...ended up killing 3 does in this spot over the next month and a half.

I really felt with the amount of does I was seeing in the area, he'd be with them eventually.

Again, I saw several small bucks, tons of does, and never saw him once!

This area literally had as much sign as I've ever seen. The oaks had dropped their bounty, and the bucks made it very obvious they were spending some time in the area fattening up on acorns.

But the season ended without a sighting.

Then today...

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: 30pointbuck on April 04, 2011, 09:14:00 PM

Awesome story, WOW what a beautiful Buck,

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: Homebru on April 04, 2011, 09:17:00 PM

Tease.
homebru

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: Guru on April 04, 2011, 09:28:00 PM

I was in the area at daybreak to listen for gobbling.

Didn't hear anything, so I went further in to check on my stand that I hadn't pulled yet.

Then scouted around for a better possible set-up.

I was about 100yds behind my stand looking to see why I saw so many deer up there during the season when I thought I heard a gobble...the first of the year!

I started to move closer to get a better fix on the birds. Heard them again, at least 2 gobblers, and started down the hollow toward them to see if I could see them.

I'd just come over a knob to hit a logging road and saw this...
•   (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1030570shed.JPG)
•   (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1030572shed.JPG)

Before I even uncovered the antler, I knew "who" had dropped it...
•   (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1030574shed.JPG)

It was one side of "Lucky's" headgear...
•   (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1030576shed.JPG)

The spacing was again a dead give-away...
•   (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1030582shed.JPG)
•   (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1030583shed.JPG)
•   (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1030584shed.JPG)


The turkey's gobbled for a bit while I took some pix. Then quit after a bit. But I had better things going on now....I searched a while for the other side to no avail.

I had to get back to the house after about an hour of looking...
•   (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/P1030587shed.JPG)

I'll be back to try again for the other side...

Good to know he made it through the season, and hopefully through our pretty tough winter. We'll see in in late summer if he shows on a trail cam.

Today was a good day!

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: Claym on April 04, 2011, 09:31:00 PM

Great find! Good luck with the other side

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: CDR on April 04, 2011, 09:35:00 PM

Very nice Curt!   :campfire:

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: Friend on April 04, 2011, 09:38:00 PM

There should be much anticipation come this fall.

Thanks for sharing.

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: kennym on April 04, 2011, 09:49:00 PM

Excellent Bro!! It is time this fall......

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: ron w on April 04, 2011, 09:51:00 PM

Cool.......With those leaves on it was it from this winter or last? Just curious to what you think!

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: Guru on April 04, 2011, 10:17:00 PM

Ron, Good eye!

It was in an area full of acorns and both the deer and turkeys had been moving the leaves around to find what was left of them. They'd almost covered this gem up!

Without a doubt his rack from last year bud.

He wasn't that big in '09...

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: paperenginner on April 04, 2011, 10:28:00 PM

I think it is exciting to see a buck grow up on camera.  Whether it was an intentional pass or a missed arrow it is very exciting to watch him grow bigger the next year.

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: Bernie B. on April 04, 2011, 10:32:00 PM

Great find!  You tell a nice story and you definitely have a good buck to look forward to this fall.  I really like your camo outfit!

Bernie Bjorklund

NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: Cyclic-Rivers on April 04, 2011, 10:32:00 PM

I think you and that buck have something in common.

"lucky"   :readit:    ;)    

Great find Curt   :thumbsup:

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: jcarter on April 04, 2011, 10:35:00 PM

awesome story, i like your camo....what brand is it?

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: Guru on April 04, 2011, 10:47:00 PM

Thanx guys...the "history" with this buck is growing....

The clothing is KUIU...a TG sponsor
 http://www.kuiu.com/

Check out the KUIU blog, I think you'll be impressed.

You can also do a search here on Trad gang, there's been several threads about KUIU.

In these pix I'm wearing proto-type Guide jacket, Guide hat, and Attack pant...awesome gear!

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: uglyjake on April 04, 2011, 10:53:00 PM

Very nice story.  Sweet dreams.

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: crotch horn on April 04, 2011, 11:36:00 PM

Very nice. I let a 7 pointer walk a couple of years ago. Had pics of him the next two yrs. Boy did he grow. No pics this past year & no word of anyone taking him. Hope he's still there.

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: BoonRoto on April 05, 2011, 01:01:00 AM

Good luck on the other side.

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: Benny Nganabbarru on April 05, 2011, 01:22:00 AM

Nice find, Curt.

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: ti-guy on April 05, 2011, 07:03:00 AM

Wow!A pass up that pays!If only more hunters were more patient... congrats Curt and thaks for sharing  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: Charlie Lamb on April 05, 2011, 08:30:00 AM

Alright!! Good to see a pic I can actually see... it's not only bigger, but I have my glasses on.    ;)

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: Dirtybird on April 05, 2011, 08:39:00 AM

Great job Curt, but I have a feelin that if that deer happens to cross paths with you this fall he's not going to be so lucky.

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: Guru on April 05, 2011, 08:48:00 AM

I know Chuck, sometime cell phones are nothing but a tease...

Looking through some pix, I found this one of Lucky from last fall...
•   (http://www.tradgang.com/upload/curt/DSC_0002lucky.JPG)

I was back in the area this morning, but an early morning thunderstorm had me out of the woods after only about an hour...

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: on April 05, 2011, 09:23:00 AM

Glad he made it Curt! I hope yo get him next year.

Bisch

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: GRINCH on April 05, 2011, 09:29:00 AM

Curt he should be really good in a couple of years,if he's on your property and not being pressured,I'd watch him for awhile.

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: Tim on April 05, 2011, 09:29:00 AM

Great find Curt!    :thumbsup:

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: wapiti792 on April 05, 2011, 09:30:00 AM

Curt great story and pics as always   :thumbsup:

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: Sean B on April 05, 2011, 09:32:00 AM

I have my fingers crossed that you find the other shed and that you get a crack at him this season!

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: leatherneck on April 05, 2011, 09:47:00 AM

Always nice to see that a buck you've hunted is still walking this time of year. He'll be even bigger yet this year Curt!

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: lpcjon2 on April 05, 2011, 09:53:00 AM

When you find the other side use them to rattle him in.They are some cool pics,Hope to see him on the wall next year.

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: Guru on April 05, 2011, 01:05:00 PM

Grinch, I wish!  It's not my property, and he's being pressured believe me!

After passing him as a 2 yr. old on '09, I was ready to kill him this past fall...but he had other plans...

Couple other shooters around as well...we'll see     :pray:

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: seven crows on April 05, 2011, 01:19:00 PM

great pics!!!

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: K.S.TRAPPER on April 05, 2011, 08:27:00 PM

Great find buddy and I hope you can find the other side!!  :bigsmyl:  

He should be a real dandy this fall and your getting closer every year. I sure hope you can get him this year my friend  :thumbsup:    :archer2:  

The KUIU looks great too!!

Tracy

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: Bonebuster on April 05, 2011, 09:03:00 PM

I bet you have the antler set somewhere so you can see it frequently.   :campfire:

The hunt begins again.

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: Owlgrowler on April 06, 2011, 07:39:00 AM

Cool.

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: Ben Maher on April 06, 2011, 08:36:00 AM

Mate , just awesome. Ain't it grand the things we do , see and feel whilst chasing critters .
Anticipation is a wonderful thing .
Good luck to you .. and "Lucky " ...
I'd hope for your sake to see you kneeling over him next year
And for both "Lucky's" sake and ours that the adventure continues for a few years yet lol....

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: tarponnut on April 06, 2011, 08:43:00 AM

Very cool. Hope you get a crack at him next fall.

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: twitchstick on April 06, 2011, 09:49:00 AM

It's always nice to have some encouragement for next season.  :thumbsup:

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: GRINCH on April 06, 2011, 09:53:00 AM

Hope next year he prsents you with a shot,good luck.

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: KentuckyTJ on April 06, 2011, 10:01:00 AM

Nice work Curt. Hopefully he will show himself this fall.

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: bill langer on April 06, 2011, 07:39:00 PM

Get em Curt!!!

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: jonsimoneau on April 09, 2011, 12:19:00 PM

I got a feeling you're going to have to change his name from "Lucky" to "Not so Lucky" this fall!

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: Guru on April 09, 2011, 09:23:00 PM

I sure hope so John!  I'm looking forward to getting the trail cams out    :thumbsup:

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: rraming on April 09, 2011, 09:40:00 PM

Good story, like the camo!

Title: Re: "Lucky"
Post by: Terry Green on April 09, 2011, 09:44:00 PM

Good Stuff!