Well it was a cold week in northern Nebraska for Colotrad and me. Our temps ranged from a low of -6 to a high of 26 with winds up to 40 mph and some snow as well. At one point while sitting in the stand I started adding up the cost of the clothing I had on. It was scary but it was why I was able to stay comfortable.
We saw deer regularly and Steve passed on some small bucks multiple times. I had a big 8 pt inside 20 yds twice one morning and never had a shot. So many things have to go right to get a shot.
Well Thursday evening I have a decent 8 pushing some does around in an alfalfa field to my west. Two of the does drop into the bottom heading my way. I am thinking it just might happen but then the buck turns around and just walks off.
About an hour later there are 9 does in the bottom below me. I am watching them and glance up into the alfalfa and see the buck is back. I pick up my grunt call (made by J. Holden, sponsor on here) and call a couple times. Some of the does are making noise coming up the steep hill to the north of me. The buck starts toward me at a steady clip. He drops into the bottom and when he starts up one of the trails I am set up on I ready for the shot.
I only have a small opening on the trail and he is moving pretty good. I half draw and wait for him to hit the opening. He steps into my small shooting lane and belive it or not he stops. I was prepared for a quick shot and took it. I don't remember coming to full draw but I hit right where I was looking. My first thought however was why was I looking there. I hit about 4" back of the crease behind the leg. He took off at full tilt back to the alfalfa field made a right turn for some cover and as soon as he got out of sight in the cover I heard him crash.
There was a good blood trail with an entrance and exit wound. It was 3 degrees when we drug the buck out. I used my 54" Shrew, 55#@28", GTs with a woodsman head. A decent buck and some good meat that I hope thaws out soon so I can get to butchering.
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b229/kadbow/imagejpg2_zpsdf27db71.jpg) (http://s20.photobucket.com/user/kadbow/media/imagejpg2_zpsdf27db71.jpg.html)
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b229/kadbow/imagejpg3_zps28f7dd09.jpg) (http://s20.photobucket.com/user/kadbow/media/imagejpg3_zps28f7dd09.jpg.html)
Great story and looking forward to the pics! :thumbsup:
Good job. I cant imagine staying warm at those temps.
:clapper: Congrats!
Well done Mark!
Excellent job! Yes it's definitely been well below normal temps for this time of year!
Steve
well told, thanks for sharing.
Congrats Mark! :thumbsup:
Great job, sounds like you had a blast even in the cold.
Awesome. Can't wait for the pics!\\
Congrats,
Bisch
Hey Mark....congrats buddy! Love to see a few pics.
Got the pics up.
Way to go, great job, can't imagine I have enough clothes to keep me warm in those temps.
:clapper: :clapper:
Nice buck, congrats
Well done Mark!
That is a great buck...putting in your time on that property is really paying off :thumbsup:
Nice buck . congrats
great buck brother...congrats!!!
Congrats on a fine buck! :thumbsup:
Congrats bud!
Nice buck! Way to go Mark! Congrats!
Kenny :thumbsup: :clapper: :clapper:
Great buck mark! Really cool :)
Nice buck taken in extreme weather! Congratulations! :thumbsup:
Bernie
Well earned deer there, congrats!
Great deer Mark! Again, congrats. :thumbsup:
Nice write-up Mark. Thanks again for the up close and personal with the polar vortex.
Congrats!
So...How much did you come up with on the clothing cost? :eek:
Nice Buck! :thumbsup:
Great deer sir , Congrats .....
,,,,,Sam,,,,,,
Well done Mark,congrats.
Nice buck Mark.....tough conditions last week for sure.tom
Very nice indeed Mark!
Congrats awesome job!
Congrats!!! Nice buck.
Sounds like a well earned buck its been like that here as well but it sounds like you had it even colder. No doe tags or were you just after a buck?
Congrats!
Well done Mark, Them Shrews have treated you well!!
Very cool man....makes me want a cup of coffee. Man thats cold hunting.
Beauty... Congrats!
Roger, it is an either sex tag but EHD hit hard up there so trying to lay off the does for awhile. I saw your buck, nice one.
Ed, yes the Shrews work for me. It amazes me how I can't even remember finishing my draw and releasing. The bow just becomes part of me.
And as far as the cold goes, I didn't even mention that the generator broke and the only heat we had in the camp trailer was a lantern and a stove burner. No heat at night. All our drinks were ice.
Congratulations, Mark. Nice buck!! You guys are incredibly dedicated, hanging out that long in that cold weather. BRRRRRR!!!!
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