Some will recall I shared the story of my first traditional kill since 1974 back on September 18th.  I've had several more opportunities and finally killed one for my freezer (first when to HFH)this morning.  

This is the last day before the firearms season opens tomorrow in Kentucky.  I was hoping to get a chance at one of at least 3 big fellows that roam the place I hunt. Of course with two more "doe" tags I was more than willing to kill an antlerless deer.

I've been hunting four of my 6 stands. I went back to the one this morning (my favorite) that I killed the doe out of on Sept. 18th.  I've passed 6 bucks from this tree, only one a shooter. I've also had a couple of does bust me and almost got a shot at a turkey that was "lost" trying to get through a hog-wire fence with the 30-40 birds that crossed about 35 yards in front of me.

I was in the stand a little late at 6:39AM this morning. I parked my truck amongst a dozer and trackhoe being used to build my son's house. It was still good and dark but I like to be on stand 30 minutes before I can see to shoot. The old gate chain still rattles -- yep, I haven't put a rubberized chain on that gate yet.

I'm not getting around as good as I did in Septembrer with severed ACL, torn MCL and a bit of cartilage damage ...all in the left knee. Also found out my 5th rib is a bit separated from the sternum.  Doc said I need to start acting like I'm in my 50's. He thinks climbing trees is for folks with more freckles and hair than me. God willing I'll start doing that when I'm in my 80's?

Here I'm looking out for deer in this stand (Son took the pictures).

I hate to tell all this story because some will think (and rightfully so) that I should leave some of my "stuff" at home.  I hadn't seen any deer by 7:45am this morning. I did hear an angus cow about 80 yards back in the woods breaking sticks and generally distracting me. Caused me a problem later this morning and saved a doe.

Here's the bad part. With no action at the time I decided to check e-mail on my phone. I could do a bit of work while I waited.  Some of you are getting ahead of me!  Some of you are hoping in fact that I pay for this lapse of good judgement -- working in a tree stand. The gall!

I looked up from my pecking,  First right where I see the most deer and where this LH archer gets the best shots.  Then I looked left which is my most open shot but one that requires that I turn in the stand. OH MY GOSH!  Yep, I can't believe it but there's an antlerless deer half-way through my best shooting window with but 2 more body lengths before he's through it and blocked by cedars.

My bow is hanging and I'm half-standing. I grab the bow, quicker than I should, but I got by with it. The arrow stayed put on the rest with my "stay-jack's" help. I slowly turn in the stand knowing I'm not going to do this in time. I can't stop him because I'm not ready. I get turned but the deer's vitals go behind the cedar, followed by his butt (only in TX can that shot be taken). I had blown it by answering a work-related e-mail!  In fact, this was the 2nd time this year the same thing happened.

However, the deer (a good-sized button buck)had been looking back which meant another might follow and now I'm ready.  I wait 30-45 seconds and then low and behold, the button buck has turned around and his nose is coming from the cedar.  He's going to retrace his steps right past me going the opposite way!  I don't deserve it but oh the luck.

I'm thinking the doe had lagged way behind and he came back because he didn't want to get so far out front? I never saw another deer.  At 16 yards I'm ready.  I begin my draw and softly bleat to stop the button buck...

I think a quick prayer to perform as I do in practice.

Sorry the  picture was gone in the first post where I was simply sitting in the stand ..edited by "guru"?  Guess one can't hunt naked...no really, I was fully clothed and don't know why the picture was edited.

Way to big bud...re-size and re-post

Your pics are way over-sized. They'll be taken down. Resize them and put them back up.

Ok Guys.
Thanks
Roy

Here's the picture (lower res) of "watching" in first post.

sorry guys. Between big and small pictures and going back and forth from photo bucket I've messed this one all up.

Suffice to say. The e-mail deer was shot at 16 yards. Double lung, pass through. He darted off about 20 yards, staggered a bit and fell dead 59 yards from the tree stand. The Stick and Helix worked well again.

Great job Roy, congrats TJ.

congrats  

congrats

Congrats!  

Many happy returns!  

Congrats!  Here's hoping the third falls closer in years between than the first & second.

Good work!

 

Good job and a good story. Phil

Congrats ROY.

Congrats.
Old technology bow Vs new technology phone... I know which one I prefer in my hand  

Good job!

Nice shooting! Congrats!!