Let me tell you guys a sad story...

kmc06005 · January 19, 2011, 09:46:00 PM

I've been scouting any and all public land within an hours drive of my house.

Well last week I was out on one of those WMA's scouting/hunting with my Bamboo Backed Osage Longbow (one of the few I've made).

The reason I had a bow is because I still have one last doe tag (no buck tags). I've never taken a deer with this particular bow and would really like to, so I'm doing more hunting than scouting.

Last week in the morning, I put my face in the wind and was stalking trails between bedding and late season browse, and was able to get nearly in range of a small group of nanny goats (does). I also found a very promising ridge that I felt was one of those "overlooked" areas, and maintained I would return in the evening one day.

Today, I found about 30 minutes before dark to escape out to my newly found honey hole.

Longbow in hand, wind in my face, I was slowly working my way across the ridge hoping to catch one slipping across, and I heard the familiar rustle of dead leaves. I slowly turn my head to the south, and make eye contact with a buck that was bigger than either of the bucks I killed this year. (130ish and 140ish).

He gave me a broadside 12 yard shot, and all I could do was smile. 3 or 4 seconds felt like an eternity and he blew out of there, but I got a great look at what was easily a 140+ inch 10 point rack.

It was a good day, but kind of sad. Thank God for a great season.
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AMB · January 19, 2011, 09:49:00 PM

Well, I'm an optimist...........he'll go 150" next year!

Worm5503 · January 19, 2011, 09:50:00 PM

Nothing sad about that story...something to look forward to for next season.

thunder1 · January 19, 2011, 09:52:00 PM

With most seasons ending soon chances are he'll be bigger next season.

Wannabe1 · January 19, 2011, 09:53:00 PM

Dang, nothing to be sad about there! I'd love to see one that big myself.

maineac · January 19, 2011, 09:54:00 PM

What great way to end the season, with a view into next year.

wooddamon1 · January 19, 2011, 09:55:00 PM

Bittersweet,maybe.Sad,no way...

S.C. Hunter · January 19, 2011, 09:57:00 PM

Same spot next year and take him home.

Stumpkiller · January 19, 2011, 10:03:00 PM

Did he have a state game syllabus and calendar in his hooves?

Our house is seperated from the barn by a small creek. We have a 32ft x 4ft bridge that spans about 8 ft above the creek to get across; this end is within 20 feet of the corner of the house. Two mornings ago there were the tracks of two deer that had crossed over the bridge during the night in the new snow. They turned and passed within 12 feet of our bedroom window.

I could not believe deer would cross that tiny, narrow bridge. Next year maybe I'll wear a troll outfit instead of camo!

doubleo · January 19, 2011, 10:22:00 PM

I wouldn"t be sad, i"d be happy!

January 19, 2011, 10:33:00 PM

Ending each season on a high note like that will keep you coming back! :eek:

Sounds like you had a good season too! Killed two bucks....now that ain't too shabby dude!

I envy your freezer...getting sick of rice "[dntthnk]"

FerretWYO · January 19, 2011, 10:37:00 PM

I am not seeing the sad part about that hunt. Sounds like a great time to me.

kmc06005 · January 19, 2011, 10:56:00 PM

Yeah, sad was the wrong word. I spent the rest of daylight with a BIG grin on my face.

Plus I've located his home range, and a dandy late season spot.

Under closer inspection, I realized he had been eating the bird seed from a feeder put there by the game and fish. This WMA is managed for quail so people can train their dogs. I guess this late in the season bird seed is as good as anything for a big 'ol buck.

sweeney3 · January 19, 2011, 11:04:00 PM

There were 6 or 8 deer in our back yard about 4 or 5 this morning. Saw them during one of my trips to the door to let the cats in/out. They were between the pond and the house, which means they were very close. Kinda makes me wonder what they were after. I had tossed out several pans of ashes from the woodstove. Wonder if they were using that as a sort of impromptu mineral lick with the increasing demands of pregnancy and less nutrient avaliable elsewhere. Always neat to see them late in the season. Surprising where they turn up.

mb bowman · January 19, 2011, 11:53:00 PM

QuoteOriginally posted by AMB:
Well, I'm an optimist...........he'll go 150" next year!

That is a great response

ronp · January 20, 2011, 04:29:00 AM

The only sad thing I see is no buck tags. He'll be bigger next year.

bobman · January 20, 2011, 02:20:00 PM

sounds like a good day in the woods to me

joe ashton · January 20, 2011, 03:01:00 PM

a couple of seasons ago I killed a 5X5 bull elk opening day. 18 days later a massive 6X6 stood in front of me broadside with the sun shinning on his side for 2 or 3 minutes at 10 yards. It was wonderful.

kmc06005 · January 20, 2011, 06:41:00 PM

Thanks for the responses guys. I've definitely got something to look forward to.

NorthernCaliforniaHunter · January 20, 2011, 07:08:00 PM

It's the teaser for next season. Always a carrot just hangin' out!