Funny the things that can put you in the right place at the right time. Last week I threw my back out really bad and I've been laying around for the past week trying to recuperate. Yesterday I felt good enough to get out and hunt, but I didn't want to climb a tree, so I went to a spot that I've hunted from the ground a few times this year. I didn't see anything but I did see fresh droppings on a nearby trail, which happened to be 10 yards from an old ladder stand. The stand was solid, only 10 feet off the ground and had a large platform.... I decided I would come back the next morning (today) and hunt it.
I got in the stand and settled in a good 15 before shooting light. Low 30s with a strong south wind. At 7:30 I was texting my wife back and forth. From out of nowhere I hear something, look up and see a small buck running from my right to left angling in front of me. He was followed by a much larger buck, also trotting. They had come from the large field behind me... I never saw them coming.
(in the pic, deer came from the field moving right to left)
(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/IMG_8162_zpsc4b44d6c.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/IMG_8162_zpsc4b44d6c.jpg.html)
I don't even remember putting my phone up or even standing. But I do remember mouth grunting to stop the buck... then watching as my arrow sailed over his back at 25 yards. My shot startled him but it was so windy he didn't really know what happened. While he stood there I began knocking a second arrow. At the same time I discover (for some weird reason) that my shooting glove index finger came off. I bit it with my teeth and stretched it back on my finger. By the time I got the second arrow knocked the buck had started walking again... straight away from me. I could see his tines were well outside his ears and I begged God for another shot.
:campfire:
Well ??? Waiting here.
More!!!!
The buck turned left behind some trees and brush and then entered
an opening. I knew it was a long shot but it never occurred to me not to take it.
To give some perspective, this is the first shot...
(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/IMG_8169_zps9bca1884.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/IMG_8169_zps9bca1884.jpg.html)
This is the second shot which I later stepped it off right at 40 yards...
(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/IMG_8170_zps72f257e7.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/IMG_8170_zps72f257e7.jpg.html)
I grunted loudly brining him to a stop.
I've heard guys talk about seeing the arrow in slow motion and that's the best way I know how to describe this shot. I watched the arrow arc through the air then drop into the bucks shoulder with a solid smack. I immediately knew it was a good hit as the buck lurched forward with his left leg looking somewhat limp.
i could not believe what just happened! And it happened so fast that I didn't even have time to get nervous.
A few minutes after the shot. I'm smiling under that face mask...
(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/IMG_8164_zpsb32bd871.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/IMG_8164_zpsb32bd871.jpg.html)
Must be a record booker! :thumbsup:
I called my wife and of course she couldn't believe it. She has learned through the years that I don't kill many deer in January, not to mention a good buck.
The next call was to my good buddy and land owner, Neal. He and some other friends were duck hunting (which he incidentally tried to talk me into go with them instead of deer hunting! I'm glad and deer hunted!). Neal suggested I let the buck go as long as I could since it wasn't a passthrough shot and the blood trail might be sparse. He had also previously promised (in light of my injured back) to drag, gut and skin my deer if I shot one. So I decided to wait till he got home from duck hunting... which I knew would be about 1:00.
I got down and resisted the temptation to walk over to the impact sight. I just walked out.. went home, ate, changed the oil in two of our cars and impatiently waited for Neal to text.
I hope Neal comes home soon! :coffee:
Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
Neal finally texted about 1:30. We met up and took to the trail.
Found my first arrow... then blood about 10 yards from the impact sight.
20 more yards and this...
(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/IMG_8171_zps8c577f78.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/IMG_8171_zps8c577f78.jpg.html)
Broadhead broken off. :)
Steady blood took us across a creek and up a slight grade and then I spot him. I've never killed a big enough buck to spot antlers on their side. Here's how we found him...
(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/IMG_8175_zps3ad11432.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/IMG_8175_zps3ad11432.jpg.html)
He's one big fella for a six! Here's the hero pics...
(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/IMG_8177_zpsb143fcd4.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/IMG_8177_zpsb143fcd4.jpg.html)
(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/IMG_8181_zpsefa7b04c.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/IMG_8181_zpsefa7b04c.jpg.html)
(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/IMG_8184_zpse0cf7c38.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/IMG_8184_zpse0cf7c38.jpg.html)
My bow is a Caribow Wolverine R/D longbow, 53@28. Beeman classic arrows with Woodsman Elite broad head.
Beautiful buck...congratulations!
Congratulations on a great buck. Thanks for sharing the story and pictures. :bigsmyl:
Great buck! Congratulations on your late season hunt! Nice story and pictures!
Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
QuoteOriginally posted by Bernie B.:
I hope Neal comes home soon! :coffee:
Bernie Bjorklund
NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin
Haha So did I!!!
Very cool buck! Congrats!!
Neal was as excited as I was. He and another buddy drug my deer as promised and loaded him up in the truck for me.
(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/IMG_8198_zps79988cc6.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/IMG_8198_zps79988cc6.jpg.html)
Neal kept his promise and did the gut work. We caped and skinned him together.
Found the broadhead buried in his off shoulder.
(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/IMG_8206_zps2b322543.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/IMG_8206_zps2b322543.jpg.html)
Beautiful buck! Congratulations!
Awesome job...!!!
Gotta love the big Six! Nice job all around! Congrats
Really a cool looking buck ..congrats
Great dear!
Really nice buck T-salt. Nice shot and thanks for sharing your great hunt. Big congratulations on a hunt well executed. :thumbsup:
That's a great 6 point!
Congrats on a great shot too!
Bisch
Awesome.
That is a big 6 . Good job !!!!!
Awesome buck, congratulations!
-Jay
Congrats! Great late season buck! :thumbsup:
WOW! Good job! :thumbsup:
Man I love big 6 points
Nice shot. Congrats!
Great buck! Great story! I love the picture of you looking down at him. Congrats!
Cool ! Congrats!!
great job! I really enjoyed the story and the pics :thumbsup:
Great buck Brother. I've always wanted a mature 6 point. Fantastic shooting also...well on the second one Haha.
Congrats on a great buck!! Thanks for posting!
Man that's a great deer! One to be proud of
Congrats very nice buck!
Tim,
Great job! I've never seen a six like that before! That is a special trophy. Did you ever determine how old he was?
I love Giant 6's. Congrats, yours is a good one!
Thanks for all the comments guys!
Joe, we did not determine it's age. I'm going to ask the taxidermist what he thinks. He's got to be at least 5. I think that's as big as he would ever get as a six.
Wow what a buck Tim! That's a big one. He looks so wide, did u put a tape on him? Great hunt buddy, I'm happy for you! :bigsmyl:
Terrific story and an awesome buck, Tim! :clapper:
Awesome buck, I really dig big six points like that. Very unique, congrats!
Great buck, great job and fantastic shot! (the first shot was just a warm-up for the kill-shot, that's why it went high) :D Congrats!!!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: nice 6!! Congrats..
Big 6's are awesome, you have a great memory there, congrats.
Nice one, good work.
I don't know how you kept your mind on the oil changes, though...
Great story and great buck! Nothing like being in the deer woods, no matter when it is, persistence pays. Hope that back gets better soon, thanks for sharing a cool story.
Congrats on a unique buck! :thumbsup:
Congratulations on a great 6 point! :thumbsup:
QuoteOriginally posted by Sockrsblur:
Wow what a buck Tim! That's a big one. He looks so wide, did u put a tape on him? Great hunt buddy, I'm happy for you! :bigsmyl:
We did... he was 19 1/4 inside and I think 21 1/4 outside.
Wow that is an impressive 6 point! Great buck. Congrats
QuoteOriginally posted by Hopewell Tom:
Nice one, good work.
I don't know how you kept your mind on the oil changes, though...
haha... it actually helped me not go crazy!
Wowzer, great 6, very cool!
Thanks for the pics and story,,, I really enjoyed that. Biggest 6 I have ever seen!!
By the way, could not help but notice your bow. what is the wood ( really nice ) ???
Fantastic deer. Way to push through a set back!!
congrats
Great Buck! Great Story! Thanks for sharing your hunt. :archer:
Gotta love those big 6 pointers! Congrats on a great deer and a great shot! :clapper:
Wow. Great Buck!!!
Great Okie Buck Tim!
BT
aka Wapitidung
Nicely done Tim! Great deer!
Nice buck!
Thanks for sharing. That is a nice buck
Nice job.
Great story and pics. Some fancy shooting for sure. Love those Caribows. Wish I could see yours.. All I see are arrows.
OUTSTANDING!!!
Sweet ! Congrats !
Beautiful buck! Looks like an old bruiser congrats and great story!
Man that shot was right in the sweet spot. I have always wanted a big six like that. (with eye guards)
Congrats!
Tsalt, I just saw your from Fort Gibson, I am from Muldrow. That is definitely a great Oklahoma 6pt. Congrats again
Wow what a six point!! Congrats
Congratulations Tim!!
That's a fine buck you got there.
Abe
That's a great buck and a great shot...congratulations!
Fantastic!!
Congrats and love the pics!
Beautiful buck and congrats , Awesome read too!
Great buck! Even more special taking him in the late season. Great shot too...
Wonderful story telling and awesome buck! Those big Sixers are just cool :campfire:
Congratulations, awesome story !
Thanks for reading and commenting guys. It's sure it fun to share on tradgang with guys who share the passion.
Briars - good to hear from a fellow Okie. You need to get on Michael Arnette's NE Oklahoma tradgang hunt message list. He is planning some hunts for next year... some of which will be in Cherokee. Just PM him.
Abe - Thanks for making such sweet bows!
Got to love those big 6 points. I shot one in Ohio this year that looks like they could be brothers. Great job ! Bob
One of my buddy's has a trail cam on the farm where I shot the deer. Probably a mile from where I killed him. He had one pic of this six point...
(http://i1105.photobucket.com/albums/h344/timsalters/BigSixtrailcam_zpscf546ee8.jpg) (http://s1105.photobucket.com/user/timsalters/media/BigSixtrailcam_zpscf546ee8.jpg.html)
Kind of cool to have that.
Great buck, nice to see those big bucks so close to home!!! congrats
Sweet !
Congrats Tim! Glad you were able to get a second shot and it sounded like a doozy!! Great Jan. Buck
Congratulations on a great looking buck! Thanks for the fun thread and photos... :thumbsup:
Nice.. :thumbsup:
Very pretty buck and a great story. Thanks for taking us along.
Congrats. Nice buck. Got a love those big long 3 blade Broadheads. They do the job right.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Nice buck! Congrats! :thumbsup:
Way cool! Late season bruisers like that don't come easy. I would love to know what he ages at. My guess is 5.5 like you mentioned
BTW-Sorry I missed you at Cherokee this weekend but I hope to meet you another time.
Great job!!! Nice buck and those Wolverines are sweet bows. Love it when it comes together. Congrats
QuoteOriginally posted by Michael Arnette:
Way cool! Late season bruisers like that don't come easy. I would love to know what he ages at. My guess is 5.5 like you mentioned
BTW-Sorry I missed you at Cherokee this weekend but I hope to meet you another time.
Michael - Thanks! Never got an exact age but the taxidermist agreed he was old, possibly already heading downhill on size. And yes, sorry I missed you too. I'm looking forward to our hunts next Fall!
Great job! Love the photos- love the story! Great buck!
Off-topic, but just wondering what that pullover is that you are wearing---I'm looking for something like that.
dandy!
QuoteOriginally posted by TubbsTru:
Great job! Love the photos- love the story! Great buck!
Off-topic, but just wondering what that pullover is that you are wearing---I'm looking for something like that.
Thanks! That pullover is an Asbell Wool Anorak. The grey is the blanket weight so it's nice and heavy. They don't have the anorak listed on their website but you can get one through Roger Norris here on TG.
Incidentally, I didn't know how the solid grey would perform as a "camo", but after I missed that first shot on the buck I was moving around nocking another arrow with that buck standing at 25 yards. He never saw me. Wool just works... Even solid colors. I guess it's the way it absorbs the light.
out standing
Yeah- the more I hunt the more I am convinced that commercial camo patterns are unnecessary at best, and often just ugly at worst!
As far as the anorak, I'll have to call Teresa. I just ordered a pullover but would love to have the big pocket up front.
Thanks for the response, and again, great job!
:archer:
Congratulations on a fine buck! Nice spread! :thumbsup:
Awesome deer! One of the coolest six points that I have ever seen!
That Big 6 is way cool.
What a nice buck and a heck of a shot! Good job.
I just saw this. That is a very nice,congratulations!