There was tension growing between my drawing fingers and the string on "Curly". Just a few more steps and the buck would be clear of the sapling and at a much better angle.

And then it happened. The video shows it best, but you'll get the drift pretty quickly from the still photo's.
As the buck stepped around the sapling he suddenly stopped and in the same motion swung his head around and looked right up at me.

Why will always be a mystery to me but it happened. As quickly as he had looked up he spun and was trotting rapidly away. He didn't stop again until he was 20 yards away with heavy protection between me and him.

From there it didn't get any better and I eventually watched that buck walk out of my life. Forever? Maybe not!! Perhaps next year we'll meet again and he'll be that much bigger.

Oh crap!!

 







Dang it man          

Tracy

Great pictures, story telling, etc.  My heart was starting to pound!

SUPER photography boys!! I like it!        

Sorry you didn't get the shot,but that had to be excellent anyway!

As I sat in the pop up watching the symetrical 8 cross the clearing on the last day I was thinking how this would be a reprieve from the misfortunes of the week just past.

I calmly watched and waited for the shot I knew would come, only to have the buck walk right into the woods and out of my life forever.

I tried a few soft grunts and even rattled softly to no avail. He was gone but the memories of a week just over would stay with me forever and the pictures of what might have been will be there even when I'm too old and feeble to climb the hills and sit in the frosty darkness of a November morning.
My buddy Tracy had done a hell of a job trying to help me get a buck. He's put one in front of me twice and I guess a guy can't ask more than that.
But the trophy in this hunt was not out in the woods so much as it is in the heart of the hunter and that's just fine with me.

What can you say, It's happened to me more times then I can count but none of them hurt as bad as this one did. I really thought this set up was going to work out and it almost did, Almost!!

What a first day it had been with its highs and lows and I was looking forward to spending many more days with Charlie. I think this picture sum's it up!!



Lots of thoughts going through this bow hunters mind about then, What if's, Why not, Maybe tomorrow!!

Who was to know it was going to rain for the next two days and only leave us a couple more days to hunt.

Tracy

Awesome story... Thanks for sharing!!! This has been one of the best stories I have ever read. It really sums up the traditional bowhunter.

Again, thanks for sharing!!!!!!!!!!

 

nice hunt guys! Thanks for the pics.

Great photography and thanks for bringing us along on your hunt.    

Are You Kidding Me!!!

I just knew I would see a picture with you holding that buck.  Man I hate it when that happens but ya know what, it happens to use all and thats one of the reasons we all Love this thing we call bowhuntin'.  Great story guys        

thanks!!!

Great great story and so close. It is amazing how lucky a big old buck can get or what he can sense!

A wonderful story and well told by you both.
Thanks for sharing it with us.

This is a awesome story , love the bow part , bless ya for sharing...Marco#78

Great story telling guys!  

Charlie, Next year it will happen! Just click your heels and say" there's no place like home" and when you open your eyes you'll be back in Kansas!It worked for Dorthy and it will work for you.

We've all been there, just makes it sweeter when it all works out!  

Great hunt, and great photo essay.  Thanks for bringing me along.

Dang it, that brings back memories of close encounters of the supernatural. Terrific story and pictures, enjoyed every minute.
 

That will get the heart pumping, so you know your alive