The piece of woods I frequent most is public land, but its a beautiful piece I've come to enjoy. There is this one little ridge, that when I cross it always signifies the beginning or end of the hunt for me. So this morning as I pause on top I see the headlights of another truck pulling in. I'm about 300yds ahead and these guys still have to gear up, so i figure I'm a half hour ahead, I'll be tucked into the thickets about .25 miles past where they hunt in the open hardwoods. Very cold this morning but had a lot of action to pass the time. Had several does in and out of the thickets but no shot opportunities. I laugh at how after all these years I still love to watch deer, it never gets old. Also how my heart rate still quickens when the chance of shot opportunity starts to materialize. About 10:45 I climbed down to change spots and warm up a little I found a nice sunny spot out of the wind an laid down for about a half hour and soaked up some sun. Back on stand at about 12, that afternoon the deer were up early and I had this young fella come in to my can call about 4pm. Caught a branch when i shot and ended up spining him, but a quick follow up anchored him for good. I climbed down gave thanks to the woods and began the work. As i hauled him out over the ridge I paused to catch my breath it was exactly 12 hours since I had crossed it that morning. A quick glance back and a smile knowing I'll be back soon...
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg177/Joe-Mart/IMG_7842_zpsaa73fcb9.jpg) (http://s248.photobucket.com/user/Joe-Mart/media/IMG_7842_zpsaa73fcb9.jpg.html)
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg177/Joe-Mart/IMG_7844_zps241b8dc4.jpg) (http://s248.photobucket.com/user/Joe-Mart/media/IMG_7844_zps241b8dc4.jpg.html)
Fellow hunter
(http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg177/Joe-Mart/IMG_7830_zpsd419cd26.jpg) (http://s248.photobucket.com/user/Joe-Mart/media/IMG_7830_zpsd419cd26.jpg.html)
Congrats on your buck!!!!
Congrats brother! I knew you'd be along any day. :thumbsup:
Good deal , Comgrats sir....
,,,Sam,,
Real nice Joe. Congrats! Cool lookin' Red Tail!
Kenny :thumbsup: :clapper:
Congrats
Congrats Joe. Beautiful Buck. :thumbsup:
Way to keep at it during the rifle season.
Awesome!
Sounds like you had a great day!
Congrats,
Bisch
Congrats on the buck and great pics too! :thumbsup:
Congrats!!
Congratulations Joe! Sounds like a special spot you've found.
Well done!
I really liked your story! Nice reward for an all-day hunt. Congratulations! :thumbsup:
Bernie
Thanks for sharing. I enjoy reading about your connection with the woods. Nice pics!
Congrats brother!!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :archer:
Pretty buck! Congrats!
Way cool, Joe. Congratulations and thanks for sharing.
Congrats Joe!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Cool stuff. Nice deer.
Nice deer Joe. Congratulations
:thumbsup:
Congrats again Joe, way to go brutha!!
Good job, always fun taking a deer when the gun hunters are out.
Congratulations Joe :thumbsup:
Congrats on a fine deer! Love the story!
Good job Brother!
Joe, Nice story and great result. The picture of "the fellow hunter" is outstanding.
Way to go Joe! I am with you, this never gets old!!!!!!!!! nice buck congrats to you!
Very nice, congrats! :thumbsup:
:thumbsup:
:campfire:
Congrats on your buck and nice story!
congrats
Thats what its all about, sounds like you got it. Id share a hunting camp with you anytime. Grilling backstraps over a campfire, and telling stories.
You sound like someone I would enjoy a campfire with.
Good Karma, hunting alongside a redtail!
Killdeer :thumbsup:
Nice Buck... thanks for sharing the story and pictures..
Thanks guys. No gun season here guys it's archery only till shotgun season in January.