Well Saturday morning started off as most have this deer season, slow, uneventful and a lot of time to reflect on life. Well I decided to get down a little early from my perch overlooking a old fence line and a ditch line and trek through the small piece of property nestled between a bunch of homes and a cut cornfield. The years past have given me multiple encounters with deer as well as my first trad kill last year a beautiful healthy doe. As I walked my mind wandered and thought of all the encounters I should have had this year that didn't become. The cold air of this December morning left a trail of steam behind me with every breath I took occasionally drifting away with the stiff north breeze. I had decided before heading to the car to walk one more spot which just happened to be along the land owners driveway a long stretch of tall golden grass between the gravel drive and the woods always showed signs of torn up ground and shredded saplings as well as  scarred trees from years past. As I approached the grass just stepping out of the woods my daydreaming was interrupted by the sight of a dark object lying merely 10ft in front me. Upon gathering my train of thought and focusing to my surprise lie a buck sound asleep. Within an instant my nock was upon the string and the tension mounted. As all animals do he was curled up. Although broadside his vitals were blocked by neck and head. I began a slow shuffle to the left that would most definitely present me with a quartering away shot. So it began a few feet later a spot picked the string began creeping back. Then CRACK!!!.....Unfortunately that was the sound of a stick bedded under the grass and as I watched the beautiful animal that I so love to pursue I gazed at the beauty of the white antlers shining in the sun the frost exploding off his back and the steam which looked like as if a train was barreling through the field rose above him with every breath another thought came to mind. This is why we do what we do and although the ending of this story is not like many on here. Saturday morning with my trinity longbow in hand will forever be a hunt embedded in my mind. Thanks to all on this site for all the info I've gotten these last 2 years and look forward to all the trad memories to come.

That sounds like an awesome experience!

Good morning, indeed!

Bisch

Oh so close  

Good stuff  

I have never walked up on a sleeping deer, but I had a tiny spike curl up under my tree and take a nap. Later, he got up and strolled off, never knowing I was around.

The moment: that's what it's all about, harvest or no harvest, the moment, the hunt, the memory. Some folks sadly couldn't even begin to understand. Good hunt brother.

Great experience indeed!!!  

Something few will experience in a lifetime of hunting........thanks for sharing that experience.

X2 rwbowman

Did that once to a sleeping bear . Man we were both surprised !

oh man that would require some new shorts lol

You have a way with words!  Very well told!  I've never come across a sleeping deer, but can only imagine the excitement as he busts out of there!

Bernie

Sounds like  great experience!