Well folks, after 20 years of stick & string pursuit here in the Granite State and only 6 whitetails to credit, it finally happened for me in the first few days. Here's how...
First, a little backstory..
I've always used confidence calling while hunting. I first used a turkey mouth call to yelp occasionally and lightly while walking into or out of my stands. Bipedal crunching leaves and the calls allowed me to walk right up to the occasional (upwind) deer. Unfortunately, no shots were forthcoming but lesson learned.
Next I tried moose calls walking into stands in the dark and again, have walked right up on deer and bear. A light went on in the dark recesses of my mind. I started using calls to 'cover' my movements when the squirrels started scolding at me. After all, the little chatter boxes sound off at nearly everything.
And on it went. I would crow call at bear baits, and turkey call from my deer stands - 'all clear and mellow over here.' I would blind call with a deer bleat and have the deer approach out of curiosity. Of course, bleats and grunts and rattling were also part of my repertoire in the right season.
Enough background. Two days ago, I sat a stand near a brook between 2 oak flats dropping fat acorns. It was very still and every half hour or so I would throw a couple bleats out hoping something might be within earshot and come to investigate. Lo and behold, a nice fat doe suddenly appeared under my tree from downwind and as relaxed as any deer I've ever seen.
The 6 yard pass through shot was within my comfortable range. Ten seconds and 70 yards away, I heard her go down. Never have I been so blessed, so early into a hunt. And if I were a betting man, those confidence calls played a part in the day.
Todd and his doe:
(http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a322/Arrowworks/Toddsdoe_zpse27dc986.jpg) (http://s14.photobucket.com/user/Arrowworks/media/Toddsdoe_zpse27dc986.jpg.html)
The Granite State is appropriately nicknamed. The retreating glaciers left erratics everywhere so that I find it easier to pack than to drag.
here's the terrain!
(http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a322/Arrowworks/terrain_zps1ab50432.jpg) (http://s14.photobucket.com/user/Arrowworks/media/terrain_zps1ab50432.jpg.html)
How Todd likes to do things!
(http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a322/Arrowworks/Toddsdoe2_zpsf117ad99.jpg) (http://s14.photobucket.com/user/Arrowworks/media/Toddsdoe2_zpsf117ad99.jpg.html)
Thanks to Bill Carlsen for the photo post help. I'm tech challenged!
Thanks for reading and good luck to all this season. :)
Congrats on the healthy doe.
Wow, I'd opt to pack out my animal too, if the ground was that rough. Congrats on a fine doe!
Jon
Well done.
Congratulations
great looking deer! that terrain is gorgeous too. great start to a great fall.
Fantastic story, pics and a successful season! Thanks for sharing with us! :thumbsup:
Good Job Todd!
Congrats on a great doe.
Nice doe CONGRATS to ya!
Great Job!!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: Nice!
Way too go, Todd!
Congrats,
Bisch
Postscript:
I was shooting a Kanati 58" LB, 52# @27" and CX arrows with Grizzly broadheads.
Been experimenting with arrow setups and have found that this EFOC (300 grains) total 530 gr. arrow with 4 2" feathers fly whisper quiet and like darts. The Grizzly was the only head that, for me, would fly consistently great.
congrats, great looking doe!! Your arrow set up is very similar to mine!
Congrats Todd. First a beautiful Bear now a Beautiful Doe. You are having a great season!!!!
:thumbsup: :archer:
Well done!!!
Great job Todd! I make soft hen yelps during my hunts as well. Also agree on the Grizzly's. Deadly combination!
Sweet, well done.
That is a real clean looking doe. Congrats for your success in a state that has a 13% success rate on white tail.
Congrats!
congrats nice doe