Sooooo Close!

[highlow]

Spent two uneventful hours in my ladder stand this morning. Had a small forkie come in to a scrape about 80 yds. out, do his thing and leave. In this particular area I always keep my arm guard on and tab ready as I pass through an over grown field on my way out. Always the possibility of jumping something. Well, as luck would have it, there was a nice fat doe feeding away from me at about 80 yds. The wind was right in my face and she's facing and feeding away so what the heck, why not give it a go. So, I drop my pack, nock an arrow and start pussyfooting toward her. After about fifteen minutes, managed to close to about 30 yds. but the grass in the field was just too high to risk a shot and that was a little too far for my ability. Watched for another few minutes and she starts feeding again and slowly walking away. I renew the attack, all the while thinking this could be the greatest stalk of my bowhunting life. Talk about putting the cart before the horse. Anyway, as I close the distance to where I last saw her, getting closer and closer, 20 yds., then 10, I'm thinking where the devil did she go. I didn't spook her and if I had would have seen her bounding away. It was as if she had literally disappeared into thin air. I would have scratched my head had I not had my fingers on the trigger, I was that perplexed. Looked all around and she is nowhere in sight, so I continue ever so slowly knowing? she has to be around here somewhere. End of story, she bounds away 15 yds in front of me. The grass was so high I couldn't see her but she sure as heck saw me. Stopped too far away for a shot and then hightailed it into the woods. Unsuccessful, yes, but the best 30 minutes of the year so far. Just one of the reasons why I love trad bowhunting.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I'd rather have 10 experiences like that, than shoot one out of a tree stand.... THAT is hunting!

Anyone want to buy a nice tree stand?

[threeundr]

That's what It is all about. Hunting!!! I hope you get one this year. Good hunting.

[SAM E. STEPHENS]

Love me some stalking , very cool...

,,,Sam,,,

[Homey88]

Great encounter!

Awesome experience! Good luck for the rest of your season!

Bisch

[Doc Nock]

Originally posted by Kirkll:
I'd rather have 10 experiences like that, than shoot one out of a tree stand.... THAT is hunting!

Anyone want to buy a nice tree stand?

Is that the tree stand covered up with poison Ivy juice, Kirk?   :rolleyes:    :eek:

[Sam McMichael]

Playing tag on the ground is FUN. I just wish I was better at it. I do best when the woods are damp.

[joe skipp]

A Bronx Tale....no....Jersey tale. Your learning Dave, you have to admit, ground techniques are a lot more fun and frustrating than perched 15' up a ladder stand. The season is young....

[dirtguy]

Great story! I love stalking!

[goingoldskool]

Gotta love it!!!!! Just the experience of it is priceless!

[Possum Head]

Enjoyed!

[Cyclic-Rivers]

Nice try Dave, Its enough to let you know you are alive.