Last night produced an exciting and successful Iowa buck hunt with one minor exception. Got into the woods about 3:30 and slowly made my way to a large oak with good cover around it to support a ground hunt. Started calling with the short chase grunts about every 15 minutes. Was not too long before I spied what looked like a tail dancing around. I grunted again and the tail went stiff. The animal slowly made its way from behind some brush to reveal a very large back. Then his head appeared from behind a tree. What a sight, twelve points. The buck started to head for the corn field (away from me) so I grunted one final time. That was enough to change his course towards me. He came within 10 yards. As his head passed behind a bush I brought my self-made Hill-style longbow up to drawing position. I selected the hair I wanted to aim for. I released with the arrow traveling right to the location I aimed for. A truely successful hunt. The exception? He must have spooked from my draw because just as I loosed the arrow, he bolted from where he had come. Guess you can't win them all. I will be out there again for sure, calling for this big boy to come back in.

Moving on a big buck inside the 20 yard line is a tough enough proposition from a tree much less on the ground. Good on you to try !

Being that close to a big Buck on the ground is an experience in itself, and to get a shot!

   Good Luck,stay after them!

From a fellow Linn Countian, Thats GOOD NEWS    

Not that you missed but that you seen a big boy while it was still light out..............

Looking forward to the story when you run into him again  

I'm in Johnson County and hunting some public land.  I've filled two tags so far (one in Bremer and one in Johnson).  Going to pick up my last doe tag for Johnson county over lunch.  

Hopefully you see that buck again.  I'm going to devote the rest of the year to being off the ground.

Preety cool you got the chance maybe next time he will stay put.

That had to be an awesome experience, on the ground with him so close.    

Doctor Engler, that is just way cool. I, myself, have been homebound now for the last 7 days with an middle ear infection. Lousy timing for sure. Keep after them.

QuoteOriginally posted by Biggie Hoffman:
Moving on a big buck inside the 20 yard line is a tough enough proposition from a tree much less on the ground. Good on you to try !

Agree 100%

QuoteOriginally posted by Biggie Hoffman:
Moving on a big buck inside the 20 yard line is a tough enough proposition from a tree much less on the ground. Good on you to try !

Agree 100%
One question, has your heart rate come down yet?   :D

Congrats on your stealth and hunting abilities,and sorry for his quick natural survival instincts. A hunt you will remember for a lifetime i'm sure.