Pennsylvania 7-point (Oct. 9th)

grouse11 · October 13, 2015, 09:41:00 PM

Haven't been on here in a while, been very busy with work and job seeking since graduating from PSU in the spring. I managed to get out for the first time Friday morning and what a morning it was!

Got into stand about 6:20 and immediately felt a twinge in my stomach. Thought I could wait so sat it out. At 7 saw my first deer of the year, a small 4-point that walked right under me. about 20 minutes later nature started knocking on the door real hard and I made the call to sneak out and sneak back in, leaving all my gear in the tree. I stood up and turned around to see another small buck sneaking into the thick stuff behind me. Waited another 5 minutes to make sure he was gone before climbing down. 15 minutes later I was back in the tree bow in hand. It was a beautiful morning, calm and not too warm and it just felt good to be in stand. Suddenly I caught a flash of antler about 50 yards in front and to the right of me.

I knew right away that he was a legal so I grabbed my bow and got ready. I also noted that something was wrong with him, he had growths covering his body. On his way down the ridge he stopped and rubbed a tree for about a minute before working my way. He was on the same path as the 4-point until he turned right, not coming any closer. I knew it was a bit further than I normally limit myself (20 yards) but I have been shooting very well and felt I could make the shot. He came into the opening and I stopped him with a soft grunt. The rest always happens very fast: Pick a spot, smooth draw, focus on spot the entire time, hit anchor, and release. Immediately the shot felt good, and I watched the arrow arc through the air toward my target. Hit him about 2" higher than where I was looking and knew immediately it was a perfect shot. My arrow sliced through him like a hot knife through butter and he only ran 20 yards before stopping. He walked another 10 yards before falling over within sight.

Well that was long enough. He is a 7-point (8 if you count the sticker on his base) and had a serious case of deer fibroma. Bow is an ILF riser made by me with BlackMax limbs pulling 48# at my draw. Arrows are Easton Gamegetter 500s with a 170 grain grizzly on the end.

My goal for this winter and/or next spring is to make my own ILF limbs to be able to hunt with a bow that is completely my own. But for now this is still pretty special to me!

VA Elite · October 13, 2015, 09:44:00 PM

nice job! great looking buck!

October 13, 2015, 09:44:00 PM

He sure has an ugly mug!!!

Great shot, and congrats!

Bisch

Paul Cousineau · October 13, 2015, 09:46:00 PM

Congrats on a dandy buck. I've never seen a deer with growths like that. Any ideas what they are?

Son of Texas · October 13, 2015, 09:50:00 PM

Congrats!!! Great shot!!!

Warden609 · October 13, 2015, 09:53:00 PM

Sockrsblur · October 13, 2015, 10:01:00 PM

Nice shot! Thanks for the story too!

Matty · October 13, 2015, 10:01:00 PM

Hey great job! I can't help but feel bad for the little guy.... What's the story with that? Any ideas? Maybe you did him a favor...
Either way congratulations!

MR BILL SHORTY · October 13, 2015, 10:05:00 PM

Cyclic-Rivers · October 13, 2015, 10:05:00 PM

Cool Buck. I would have to toddle him over to my taxidermist lol.

Congrats!

grouse11 · October 13, 2015, 10:12:00 PM

Thanks Everyone! And for all interested, his ugly mug is caused by Deer Fibroma. It is a skin disease that most deer become immune to at a young age. However some deer are not immune. It is a skin disease where tumors or "warts" grow on the skin in varying degrees of severity and size. Fortunately, Fibroma is a not fatal to the deer unless the build-up interrupts seeing, feeding, or breathing. In some cases, the "wart" will even fall off. As far as the meat goes, the Fibroma does not penetrate further than the skin and the meat is perfectly safe to eat.

BRONZ · October 13, 2015, 10:14:00 PM

Holy pooping goldfish that thing is fugly! He does have some character though. Congrats brother and great shot!

KyStickbow · October 13, 2015, 10:16:00 PM

Congrats!

trad_bowhunter1965 · October 13, 2015, 10:31:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by grouse11:
Thanks Everyone! And for all interested, his ugly mug is caused by Deer Fibroma. It is a skin disease that most deer become immune to at a young age. However some deer are not immune. It is a skin disease where tumors or "warts" grow on the skin in varying degrees of severity and size. Fortunately, Fibroma is a not fatal to the deer unless the build-up interrupts seeing, feeding, or breathing. In some cases, the "wart" will even fall off. As far as the meat goes, the Fibroma does not penetrate further than the skin and the meat is perfectly safe to eat.

I did not know that's a great buck.

jsweka · October 13, 2015, 10:54:00 PM

Way to go Mark!!!!! Congratulations.

You certainly have bragging rights at work! Rub it in with all the guys real hard.

(Mark is currently working a seasonal job where I work. This will make some good conversation around the lunch table.)

Stump73 · October 13, 2015, 11:25:00 PM

Congratulations!

CoachBGriff · October 13, 2015, 11:44:00 PM

Nice!!!

Thanks for sharing. I'm itching to go sit in the woods sooo bad right now!

fnshtr · October 14, 2015, 12:04:00 AM

We have a young buck on our farm with the same malady. I understand it is caused by a virus and the deer contract it from biting insects.

Congrats!!

John146 · October 14, 2015, 12:14:00 AM

Great hunt brother!!!

Jwilliam · October 14, 2015, 12:46:00 AM

Congrats !!! I have never heard of that before. Guess you learn something new everyday.

Bill