Last week of bowhunting in Jersey, I decided to use my old Browning Cobra for a few days, then switch over to my Groves for a couple.
I eased into an afternoon spot, settled in and waited. Just before dark 4 does started working in my direction. I was just about to lock in on the largest when a 5th showed up. One look convinced me I wanted this one.
Unfortunately by the time she strolled by, too dark to risk the shot. I snuck back in the area the following afternoon hoping she would come in. She didn't disappoint me...With plenty of shooting light I got a real good look.
At 20 yds...broadside...I realized this deer was barely 100 lbs, so all I did was snap a photo. Hoping she makes it through the season and grows up. Then..hopefully we cross paths again.
The Browning and a quiver full of arrows...
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a281/sf1oak/002_zps25f03669.jpg) (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/sf1oak/media/002_zps25f03669.jpg.html)
The deer I wanted in the worst way....
(http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a281/sf1oak/001_zps20290182.jpg) (http://s13.photobucket.com/user/sf1oak/media/001_zps20290182.jpg.html)
Neat, I like piebald's, I think I would have passed her also......believe it or not!
Can't see the pics from this computer, but nice to let them grow up. Around here, a 100# doe is probably not gonna get much heavier.
Nice pic Skipper :thumbsup:
Piebalds are the coolest. I have had serval shots here in MD but have always past.
I have a buddy that's been watching a piebald buck for four years. He's now a pretty wide 6 point. Time to take him out
Nice treat to see her up close!
Skipper is getting soft. :readit: :rolleyes:
Neat photos Joe, must have been neat to see in person.
Nice story Joe. I hope you get to see her again next year. I'm sure you'll be able to recognize her from the rest. :D
Love the old Browning and back quiver. I'll probably take out an old Howatt or two to finish the Maryland season.
good for you!! you will reap the rewards of being gratious in the woods.
Awesome pic. I understanding passing. Sometimes its the right thing to do. Thanks for sharing.
I am with you 100% Joe!!That is what being a real woodsman is all about.
MAY THE SPIRIT OF FRED BEAR GUIDE OUR ARROWS.
I would have passed too.
Marvelous outing!
Great pics and great decision to let her go another year! :thumbsup:
Very beautiful encounter! Maybe you will cross paths again.
Thats awesome....I hope to see a piebald one day!!
Wow very cool never seen one in person!
Piebalds are cool, but what about that buck you got? ;)
Its the journey......and it looks you had a great one!
Great pic Skipper. What a rush.
Been there Skipper, very cool to just watch. Good on ya! Awesome pic.
Skipper, must have been a hard decision, letting her walk was the classy thing to do, but if someone takes her out in gun season (I have to think her camo works against her w no snow & guys will be targeting her) then not much gained. Let's hope she makes it. Thx for pictures.
cool! a 100# doe is a beast where i hunt, though. not sure i could have resisted. hat's off to you.
I would have passed also, I figure they have a hard enough life sticking out, except when it snows.
well done Joe
Beautiful critter.
nicely done. glad you got to see her again
Beautiful deer!
Beautiful, I'd likely been in awe and forgot the photo opportunity. :archer:
I don't want to come across in anyway negative with this post, and completely understand and admire your decision to pass on this deer.
That said, being a wildlife science major and having learned all about genetics and inferior genes and learning a lot about deer, I would never pass a shot at a piebald or an albino deer no matter what the size. The genes that cause these are recessive and inferior and often times the physical appearance is just the start of the differences. These deer can have bone deformities, vision problems, and a slew of other issues that only that deer knows about. My schooling tells me that these deer are a harm to the genetic makeup of the herd and should be removed to keep the herd healthy.
Another thing to consider is that piebald deer are often times dwarfish in the fact that they have a shorter nose, shorter legs, and weigh less compared to a deer of equal age. That deer may have well been a 1.5-2.5 year old deer.
Just my two cents but to each their own, seeing that beautiful deer in the woods was clearly an amazing encounter and a kill clearly does not even come close to the moment the OP had in the woods that day, and that is truly what hunting is all about :)
Grouse, very good comments, some real good points and well said...I learned something...
Shot one about 15 yrs ago for some of the reasons grouse said. Also because it was something I'd always remember. My friend has the hide in his man cave.
Pretty cool! Good to let this one walk.
Your skills on the ground joe, always amaze me! :notworthy:
Not funny...I just read a Missouri bowhunter who killed a 10 pt Albino buck has been receiving numerous death threats. He donated the meat and is getting the head mounted. Makes you wonder...
You left it for the next guy/gal to marvel at and you took a pic for your buds here1 :notworthy:
Joe I applaud you for not killing her just because you could, the encounter was really neat and thanks for sharing. I killed an elbino coon in a corn field with my recurve back in 1985 and had the skin tanned by a friend and 5 years later all the hair started to fall out, so much for free taxidermy work.
In archery season I was lucky to have a spike come by with white on all four lower legs. I hope to find him next October when he has a bit of rack and becomes legal.
I have only seen a couple of these over the years and each time, I am fascinated. I was all set to take one in rifle season several years ago but my brother's friend decided to walk across the open field and spooked her off while I waited for a good shot. I never saw her again so I wonder if someone else harvested her.