Hey Gents, after getting back on track with bow hunting after a decade hiatus , just took my first archery deer traditionally last week. 4 pointer with some smaller nubs. A normal sized Michigan buck about a year and a half to two year old estimated.
It was a calm cold day, there were turkeys calling in the distance . He came into the half acre clearing from some thicket , where I was backed into a medium sized willow with some weathered camo burlap for a backdrop. Had my knees and the milk crate I was sitting on covered in front by some brush leaving my torso exposed for clear shooting.
He came in quietly and sniffed a sapling where some scent was applied. He meandered back and forth all within about 10 yards Max. He looked in my direction a few times, just looking and carrying about his business. He offered me a quartering away shot at about 8-9 yards. I drew back and right as I got to anchor, his head came over with ears in full radar mode staring right in my direction. His tail was still down so I suspect he was looking beyond me and not really startled yet. I held anchor, started to shake a bit but he wasn't backing down. I let the arrow go, heard a thump and he ran off about 30 yards, stopped flagged his tail and walked off into the thicket as if nothing happened.
I was pretty dismayed, convinced I had shot under him and the thump was the hard ground. Found some hair but no blood, anywhere where I had seen him walk. I was convinced 100% I had missed and about 40 minutes later just when I was calling it quits, I walked through the thicket, and I mean THICK!, cause a little voice just wouldn't let me leave without doing so. Found him piled up against some small scrub trees about 80 yards in. Had to give thanks to the Man above upon finding him. A true blessing. Complete pass through with a VPA 200 grain Penetrator.
Entrance wound was right side and exit wound was behind the left shoulder. Asbell Evening Stand Brown kept me invisible while he walked around 8-10 yards in front of me. No wind and being still helped too! Haven't found my arrow yet. I posted this on the other site but a Ganger said I should share it here as well.
(http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii498/tzolkosky/Super%20D/2012-10-13_09-46-31_983_resized.jpg)
(http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii498/tzolkosky/Super%20D/IMGP0004.jpg)
Entrance wound.
(http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii498/tzolkosky/Super%20D/IMG_20121013_095725.jpg)
Exit wound
(http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii498/tzolkosky/Super%20D/2012-10-13_09-56-56_57.jpg)
Asbell wool in action
(http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii498/tzolkosky/Super%20D/IMG_20121013_124641.jpg)
Very nice!! Congrats!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Well done! Nothing like the pump when on the ground with em in your face
Congradulations Todd, Super Ds, sharp broadheads and not giving up too soon are good things.
Fantastic!
Congrats on a nice buck!
Thanks fellas. A true blessing!
Forgot to mention, I got up a little bit after I lost sight of him to check for blood etc. I walked the mowed property line a few yards and heard him crash through the thicket deep in there. He musta heard me out there. Probably spooked him up from where he was laying the first time. Didn't hear too much ruckus after that so I knew I had to scour the thicket well before calling it a day.
Great job Todd, you look like a man on a mission there
Nice pictures! Great camo and a great buck! Congratulation!
Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
Kudos on following up. Nice camo, good shot, and thanks for sharing story and pics.
Great job, congrats!
Congrats! Great story and buck! :thumbsup:
Nice going!
How Awesome, Congrats Todd... Well deserved outcome for a ground pounding ex 11 Boo...... Sutty
Nice, congrats!
Nice pictures and nice buck congratulations.
Great job, Todd. Love that Super D, and it looks like it is treating you well. Way to stick with it.
Congrats Todd! Nice buck, and good story.
:clapper: :clapper: :goldtooth: :goldtooth:
Good looking buck and congratulations!
Congrats! Nice buck.
Ray
On the ground. That has to be an adrenaline rush. I like the idea of the old burlap as back cover...great idea.
Congrats!
Congrats, well done.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: