Spring Buck

Jim Jackson · November 06, 2011, 07:07:00 PM

Its been a bit of a drought for me the last season and the first half of this one. I've been working hard to study the farm and read the land. Going into this season I felt that I have learned a lot and have a better read for early, mid, and late season areas as well as bedding and transit areas. My early season was fraught with encounters, but nothing within shooting distance.

A couple weeks ago, my brother Chris and I took a closer look at an old favorite area around a pond on our parent's place. The pond dam could act as a funnel, but there wasn't much cover available for either a ground blind or a tree stand. We decided on going high in a grove of sycamores. I started calling it Chris' Sycamore Skyscraper after we were done!

The wind has been ripping the past few days, with little game movement. This morning I decided to sit the Skyscraper and hope to get a break from some of the wind. I was in about 30 minutes before sunrise. The winds were still strong, but not howling as they have been the past few days. As soon as it started to lighten up I noticed a lone Doe being followed by small buck on the skyline to the south heading this way. Smiled to myself and settled in to enjoy the view from the pond:

GRINCH · November 06, 2011, 07:21:00 PM

Beautiful view you have i'd smile too,congrats and enjoy.

Missouri CK · November 06, 2011, 08:22:00 PM

It's a pretty view that takes me back to being a kid fishing in the summertime. Now I'm hoping to see some deer from that pond dam!

NOW GET BACK TO TELLING THE STORY

Jim Jackson · November 06, 2011, 09:41:00 PM

Well, a long wait didn't prove necessary...About 7:00am a lone buck circled about 100 yds to the south heading west.

Small headgear, nice frame, empty freezer... I'm not in an antler restriction county, and I made the decision to take the shot if offered. He milled about for a while and then turned north and crossed the creek and ended up mid-way on the pond dam about 20 yards behind me. I knew there was a 50/50 chance he would turn east or west.

Three times this fall, in other locations the deer chose the direction opposite me. This time he turned east and walked right past the bottom of my tree. He was trotting back the way he had originally come and I knew I would only have a brief window of opportunity. I drew and waited for him to come into my shot window. 20 yard shot and I knew it was right on the money as soon as I released. Hit him angling down and forward on the right side. I didn't get a pass through, but I could tell he was hit hard. I watched him run until he was out of sight. I planned on giving him an hour, but after 30 minutes, I couldn't wait any longer so I went on the blood trail...

rastaman · November 06, 2011, 10:25:00 PM

flippnsticks · November 07, 2011, 07:13:00 AM

Charlie Lamb · November 07, 2011, 09:55:00 AM

From the looks of the blood, there's a dead deer around somewhere close.

Bud B. · November 07, 2011, 10:01:00 AM

Nice and bright red.

tell us more

Jim Jackson · November 07, 2011, 03:31:00 PM

I climbed down and cautiously started on the trail. The first half of the trail required diligence. Only a few drops every 15 feet or so. I began to get a little discouraged... shot looked good... but not so much blood...

After about 75 yards at the top of a hill, I found my arrow. From that point on, it really opened up. For the remaining 50 yards or so, he angled back behind the pond into the thick stuff. It was one of those great trails that leads you on a journey physically and emotionally. Finally I found myself working my way through a thick tangle of spicebush, greenbriar, and sassafras leading down into a steep ravine. I took the final few steps:

Charlie Lamb has talked to Chris and I about a fatally hit deer heading to water at the end, and this was the case for my buck. His final resting place was in a spring outlet that feeds the pond. In finding him, I discovered a new hidden spring on the farm I haven't found in 38 years of exploring this amazing piece of property. I had a few moments of quiet with him and shared peace and thanks with the Creator.

Just last week an archery mentor of mine said, "Every kill is a trophy, and I'm thankful for every one." Great wisdom there, and I am very thankful for the Spring Buck:

Here is a shot of my two new-found favorites: My Dogwood Zipper SXT "Sentinel" and the hidden spring outlet:

rastaman · November 07, 2011, 03:39:00 PM

Way to go sir! Beautiful pictures!

zipper bowss · November 07, 2011, 06:54:00 PM

What a spot!!Tough to beat that view!
Its funny what you find after 38 years on the same property.
Its good to see that the Sentinel got in on helping to fill the freezer.
Bill

flippnsticks · November 07, 2011, 07:00:00 PM

great job

Gatekeeper · November 07, 2011, 08:02:00 PM

Very cool Andrew!

I like the title and the story. Great job buddy it was fun to get your message. Congratulations!

Huntrdfk · November 07, 2011, 08:10:00 PM

David

joe ashton · November 07, 2011, 08:19:00 PM

November 08, 2011, 12:47:00 AM

Congrats!

Bisch

beachbowhunter · November 08, 2011, 01:05:00 AM

Thanks for the story Andrew. great job.

Whip · November 08, 2011, 05:59:00 AM

Freezer's not empty anymore! Get job on that one Andrew

I have to agree with Bill - that is one of the prettiest stand set ups I think I have ever seen. Worth sitting that one just for the view.

pitbull · November 08, 2011, 06:06:00 AM

Congrats on a fine hunt and buck!

tippit · November 08, 2011, 07:20:00 AM

Andrew,
That made my morning coffee taste even better. Congrats...Doc