Just noticed that I've entered the "bigtime" with my ugly mug up top. Our youngest, Dane, helped with the tracking and followup. I'm grateful both our boys are keen to be outdoors, they fling arrows with abandon.

Mark

Nice buck Mark  

Congratulations!    A very nice buck. Lin

Good job guy!
Goose

First off, CONGRATS!!

Secondly.....I see Jim was the first to post on your thread....this morning when I saw you up top I immediately thought to myself..."my goodness,James sure looks like Stone Knife"...and here he is right off the bat....you two probably won't even see the resemblance......





is it just me?.....

Oh yes, I guess I need to tell a story ... shall I post ala Charlie Lamb.

No, I'm not that good and I loathe thrillers!      :p

This was my 2006 Mulie, shot in the early season. Mulies frequented the area I was in but my intent was to fling some sharp pointy stick at a reasonable whitetail buck known to  be in these parts. I got into my stand just at dawn, nothing showed. A couple of hours later I was about to leave when I heard some branches crack to the North. Peering through the branches, I had glimpses of 3 mulies easing down a trail 40 yards to my west. My heart raced, hoping that they would change their route.  Beyond my wildest expectations, they eased along in my direction. I hoped for an opportunity at the largest, the lead buck, but this was not to be. My buck was the laggard and presented a 10 yard shot. I came to full draw and, without good recall, the fletching suddenly appeared on the ribs. There was a hollow 'pumpkin" sound and he bolted through the bluff and was lost to sight.
Everything pointed to a good shot but I was anxious. I'm sure you know the feeling. I slowly snuck out, called my wife - my hope that venison preparation was imminent!
Dane was keen to be along so I scooted home to collect him. This is an advantage of hunting within a radius of about 15km from home!

Back in the field, we quickly found my arrow and it looked promising. We slowly crept along the blood trail, found he had rested/bedded about 60 yards after the shot and then moved off. Now doubts began ... had I imagined my shot? Was it good at all? We slowed down even more ... really difficult to suppress the enthusiasm of a 6 yr old! As we sneaked through a small wolf-willow/buffalo-berry bluff, we spotted the antlers ahead. He was ours and what a relief! After a moment of silence, and admiration of a fine animal, we took a few pics and retrieved our trophy.

Equipment used: BB Ipe - 57#@27", selfmade. Arrows: Poplar dowel somewhere around 11/32" tipped with 160gr Snuffer.

Thanks for the privilege of telling my little story.

Mark

Look like brothers.

Congrats Mark, on both, the nice Buck, and having your pic up top.

And with self-made gear to boot!!!


             

Sounds like a good hunt and Congrats!!      Right click on your banner picture and save it, you'll be glad you did.

Dennis

Mark, congrats on your buck and a great story!enjoy your week at the top.

joe

Congrats on a great buck thanks for sharing.      

Great buck and story.

Curt

Are the "whiskers" on the upper lip the common denominators?   :eek:  Or the happy progeny?    

Mark

Nice buck

very cool, nice looking deer

Great looking buck & a good story to boot!

Great stuff! Really nice deer! Well done!    

Thanks for the compliments, folks.

After moving to Canada (SA ex-pat) a decade ago, I was fortunate to be introduced to some avid hunters. I didn't like the rifle hunting season much - too short and too cold! I shot wheelies for a couple of years with some success but the process was too clinical. Since becoming enlightened    :p , I've had the opportunity to take a few nice animals.

Mark

The deer is very nice, but pales in comparison to that little buck looking over your right shoulder.  I am much happier about that fellow.
Congratulations on having your son involved in our sport.

Nice buck, especially since it was with a self bow, and you were able to share him with your son. Congrats on all of it!