Mistakes were made.

jonsimoneau · October 15, 2013, 11:57:00 PM

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I originally that this deer was a doe until right after I shot. Nothing wrong with taking a young buck, but it was not my intention. Still, his life was not taken in vain and I don't want my shortcomings to detract from what was otherwise a fine hunt.
My current job allows me little time to hunt. Although I guess it would not matter what job I had, I always wish for more hunting time. Anyway, I was able to leave work a little early which afforded me the rare opportunity to hunt on a day other than a day off. With limited time, I hurried to a spot near home. Deer densities are very low in this spot, but it was better than not hunting! She (he) came through at very last light. I was on the ground in a ghille suit. He was moving through very tall grass but stopped for a second, allowing me to draw and shoot. As soon as I hit him I saw a flash of antler. My mistake. He only had one side of a deformed antler but still weighed 198 pounds on the hoof.
I shot him on the ground with a Habu Vyperkhan and a big Simmons Tree Shark on an arrow dynamics shaft. He was down in seconds.
Although I was disappointed in myself for mistaking the deer for a doe, my wife was thrilled. The last few seasons I have let most deer pass, and our freezer was empty. Despite my shortcomings, he will feed us well. Good luck out there guys.

bowkill32 · October 15, 2013, 11:58:00 PM

well done!!

old_goat2 · October 16, 2013, 12:02:00 AM

"IT" happens! I'd be happy with her(him)!

October 16, 2013, 12:02:00 AM

Congrats on the freezer fillings!

Bisch

Yankee Bill · October 16, 2013, 12:10:00 AM

I don't see any shortcomings here .... you filled the freezer w/ some tasty Venison, culled a deer that probably needed to be culled anyway, and most importantly ... you made your wife happy :D
Don't see anything wrong with that. Good job

YB

jonsimoneau · October 16, 2013, 12:14:00 AM

Note the pink arrow in the background. I had that one reserved for a doe! HA!

Coonbait · October 16, 2013, 12:34:00 AM

I agree with Yankee Bill completely !
Glenn

Hot Hap · October 16, 2013, 01:18:00 AM

Congratulations Jon-Hap

beachbowhunter · October 16, 2013, 01:25:00 AM

Congrats on takining a deer from the ground. That's real hunting.

wooddamon1 · October 16, 2013, 04:26:00 AM

198? That's a lot of tasty meat! Congrats on the shot!

Meathook 1 · October 16, 2013, 04:53:00 AM

Good deer Jon.Nice and fat from that good ILL corn and beans!

glenbo · October 16, 2013, 04:56:00 AM

Great deer Jon.

A.S. · October 16, 2013, 06:05:00 AM

Good job, those things happen!!

dbd870 · October 16, 2013, 06:08:00 AM

I did it with a rifle at 125yds; not much past first light; looked for head gear, saw none so i took it. My buddy found it first and yelled "Dave I have bad news"; knew right away, Yelled back "(swear word), it's a spike" He replied, "Nope, it's a spike with 1 antler broke off" Side toward me was missing and even in the scope I couldn't see the one on the far side. Things just happen; it's a traditional deer, good animal in my book.

ISP 5353 · October 16, 2013, 06:49:00 AM

A great deer Buddy! Congrats and enjoy the meat!

cacciatore · October 16, 2013, 06:56:00 AM

Good job anyway,Jon.
Now if you are out of buck licences and your spot carries some big bucks you can always count on me for free.LOL

Fletcher · October 16, 2013, 08:20:00 AM

Congrats, John! You made a good hit and recovery, that is what's really important. There's another buck tag waiting for you.

wapiti792 · October 16, 2013, 08:20:00 AM

Jon, he'll eat just fine! Same thing happened to me yesterday morning. Thought I had a doe in there with me...was also in my bushrag. Except you are a better shot than me. I mmmmissed!

TJK68 · October 16, 2013, 08:24:00 AM

Great job, he will eat well for you.
Tom

KentuckyTJ · October 16, 2013, 08:32:00 AM

Great work Jon. Sounds to me like at that weight unless he was injured he never was going to be much if that is all the bone he had on his head.