I thought I might share a reflection of a fantastic hunt I had this past fall.  I harvested a beauty of a whitetail I couldn't have been more proud of. It was a fantastic hunt...

 

I dream about fall all year long.  I love the anticipation of the hunt, the sweet smell of the forest floor, and the rustle of leaves in the breeze.  I treasure the moments before sunrise, as I sit in the silence of the forest before light.  I love the adrenalin rush that I get when a whitetail slips into view.


Movement caught my attention.  Out of the corner of my eye the shape of a deer materialized.  I slowly peered 40 or 50 yards, trying to make out the culprit.  Two bucks worked their way through the brush.  Mature buck was my first thought, and predator mode switched on.  I let the bucks gain a safe distance before I rattled.  A quick tinkle of the horns and a soft grunt was all I dared muster.  A minute or two past before I saw this buck begin to lumber in.  He was a sight to behold.  He had a kingly appearance and I knew I was on his turf.  

He stood ears pinned back for minutes gazing past me.  This was not the kind of buck who passed up a fight.  I breathed slowly.  Trying to release the tension building in my body.  Finally he began stepping passed me, convinced the fighters had fled.  At eight steps I drew, anchored, and the arrow began its flight.  The cedar shaft buried deep on its intended mark.  The woods erupted in chaos for a second, and calm returned as leaves fell back to the forest floor.  The buck only made it some 60 yards.

 

As I approached I was filled with many emotions.  As fellow bow hunters you know understand what I am talking about.  I still get excited relating the story. I guess sharing it with tradgangers is a great way to close out the experience.

Man that is a brute...

Congrats on a great deer

More pics from the hunt.... A small fire helped keep us warm while we cleaned up the buck, and made for an interesting picture.

 
 
The bow I used was a Kota Prairie Swift. The bows pulls 52lbs.

 

Mighty nice buck! Way to go!!

Nice job Justin! Great buck and pics!          

WOW!!

Congrats!
     

Congratulations,
You done good!  Great pictures, especially the last one.

Wow what a hoss, nice bow too. Congratulations....Phil

Fantastic! Very happy for ya!

Congratulations, very nice buck, awesome looking bow and beautiful pictures as well..

Very nice

Outstanding deer!  Congratulations.  I would imagine that one will bring excitement every time you think about it for a long, long time!

Congrats great looking buck.  

congrats- he's a dandy for sure....love the fire picture

That is awesome! Especially the pic by the fire.  

It makes work easier to get through the day when you have great experiences to mull over during the day... then again it makes it worse to cause I just want to leave  

Great story and pics. Thanks and congrats.  

Exceptional deer!

While not practical for most, your deer would make for an extrodinary full body mount.

Congrats!!

Justin - well done on all counts!  - Taking a fine animal, telling a story revealing your respect and enjoyment of the hunt - and great pictures to fill out the experience.
In a year where my wife's health has prevented me from getting into the woods - the time you took to share this - and the time many others here have done so as well is greatly appreciated!  Next season can't come too soon!

Terry

Super buck. Many congrats.