Funny the things that can put you in the right place at the right time.  Last week I threw my back out really bad and I've been laying around for the past week trying to recuperate.  Yesterday I felt good enough to get out and hunt, but I didn't want to climb a tree, so I went to a spot that I've hunted from the ground a few times this year.  I didn't see anything but I did see fresh droppings on a nearby trail, which happened to be 10 yards from an old ladder stand.   The stand was solid, only 10 feet off the ground and had a large platform.... I decided I would come back the next morning (today) and hunt it.  
I got in the stand and settled in a good 15 before shooting light.  Low 30s with a strong south wind.  At 7:30 I was texting my wife back and forth.  From out of nowhere I hear something, look up and see a small buck running from my right to left angling in front of me.  He was followed by a much larger buck, also trotting.  They had come from the large field behind me... I never saw them coming.  

(in the pic, deer came from the field moving right to left)
 

I don't even remember putting my phone up or even standing.  But I do remember mouth grunting to stop the buck... then watching as my arrow sailed over his back at 25 yards.  My shot startled him but it was so windy he didn't really know what happened.   While he stood there I began knocking a second arrow.  At the same time I discover (for some weird reason) that my shooting glove index finger came off.  I bit it with my teeth and stretched it back on my finger.  By the time I got the second arrow knocked the buck had started walking again... straight away from me.  I could see his tines were well outside his ears and I begged God for another shot.

Well ??? Waiting here.

More!!!!

The buck turned left behind some trees and brush and then entered
an opening.  I knew it was a long shot but it never occurred to me not to take it.

To give some perspective, this is the first shot...  



This is the second shot which I later stepped it off right at 40 yards...



I grunted loudly brining him to a stop.  

I've heard guys talk about seeing the arrow in slow motion and that's the best way I know how to describe this shot.  I watched the arrow arc through the air then drop into the bucks shoulder with a solid smack.  I immediately knew it was a good hit as the buck lurched forward with his left leg looking somewhat limp.

i could not believe what just happened!  And it happened so fast that I didn't even have time to get nervous.

A few minutes after the shot.  I'm smiling under that face mask...

Must be a record booker!  

I called my wife and of course she couldn't believe it.  She has learned through the years that I don't kill many deer in January, not to mention a good buck.
The next call was to my good buddy and land owner, Neal.  He and some other friends were duck hunting (which he incidentally tried to talk me into go with them instead of deer hunting!  I'm glad and deer hunted!).  Neal suggested I let the buck go as long as I could since it wasn't a passthrough shot and the blood trail might be sparse.  He had also previously promised (in light of my injured back) to drag, gut and skin my deer if I shot one.  So I decided to wait till he got home from duck hunting... which I knew would be about 1:00.
I got down and resisted the temptation to walk over to the impact sight.  I just walked out.. went home, ate, changed the oil in two of our cars and impatiently waited for Neal to text.

I hope Neal comes home soon!    

Bernie Bjorklund

NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin

Neal finally texted about 1:30.  We met up and took to the trail.  
Found my first arrow... then blood about 10 yards from the impact sight.  

20 more yards and this...



Broadhead broken off.    
 
Steady blood took us across a creek and up a slight grade and then I spot him.   I've never killed a big enough buck to spot antlers on their side.   Here's how we found him...

He's one big fella for a six!  Here's the hero pics...







My bow is a Caribow Wolverine R/D longbow, 53@28.  Beeman classic arrows with Woodsman Elite broad head.

Beautiful buck...congratulations!

Congratulations on a great buck. Thanks for sharing the story and pictures.  

Great buck!  Congratulations on your late season hunt!  Nice story and pictures!

Bernie Bjorklund

NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin

QuoteOriginally posted by Bernie B.:
I hope Neal comes home soon!        

Bernie Bjorklund

NC Iowa/SW Wisconsin

Haha  So did I!!!

Very cool buck! Congrats!!

Neal was as excited as I was.  He and another buddy drug my deer as promised and loaded him up in the truck for me.



Neal kept his promise and did the gut work.  We caped and skinned him together.  

Found the broadhead buried in his off shoulder.

Beautiful buck!  Congratulations!

Awesome job...!!!

Gotta love the big Six!  Nice job all around! Congrats

Really a cool looking buck ..congrats