Dang lucky deer ..a close encounter

[the Ferret]

I hadn't hunted yet here in Ohio so tonight I thought I'd wander down in the woods and see whats moviing. I grabbed "Twiggy" a David Mims osage bow, a cane arrow with flint head and my little 3 cornered stool and head down the hill towards the creek. There's a trail that parallels the creek that the deer use a lot. Trouble is, it's so close to the creek that you can only hunt the uphill side of it. The trail runs north to south. I've seen deer running it both directions. The wind was blowing gently from the Northeast. If the deer came from the south I was pretty much screwed, but if they came from the north I was in fat city.

About an hour into the sit, I hear hooves in the leaves and spot 2 does walking the other side of the creek. Headed north. After they dissapeared, I stood for awile leaning against a tree I was using for cover. Suddenly I hear hooves in the leaves on my side of the creek and look up to see a deer about 20 yards away coming up the trail from the south. Not good. I managed to get turned around and sat back down. The sounds of walking keep coming and I thought it may just work out. I turn my head slowly to the left and see there are not one but two does headed my way. At this point they are maybe 10 yards. I raise the little osage up and aim the arrow into the hole I have to shoot thru and the one they must pass thru if they are going to continue going up the trail. The lead does nose goes into the hole a mere 5 or 6 steps from where I am seated, then her head and then...SHE LOCKS UP. Then she backs up. Dang wind. They stand there a minute or so looking around. Obviously they have caught a whiff of man scent but can't find me. Finally they decide to try it again. By now my bow arm/shoulder is killing me, but I can't move. Again the nose enters the hole followed by the head and..SHE LOCKS UP AGAIN! Arrgghhhhh.  Then she backs up. This time they decide it just isn't worth it and melt back the way they came.    

Man hunting on the ground is a rush! I love it.    

[Stone Knife]

Good story, i tried some stalking on friday but was busted on three different tries. Lots of fun anyhow.

[Bonebuster]

Good way to clean out the arteries around your heart!  

[Killdeer]

I love it...so typically Deery of them!  

[Dano]

Now that is a great time.

[Hooked]

Nice hunt!
That doe has no idea how close she came to being in you freezer!

[Hawkeye]

Does that one count as "counting coup," Buddy??  

[sticshooter]

If she only knew. Great post Mick.<><

[Shaun]

Amazing to watch them hit the scent wall. Way to get up close and personal.

[the Ferret]

No coup Daryl, I didn't get to full draw, pick a spot and let down

Yea Shaun it's fun when you know they are going to hit that scent wall and there's nothing you can do about it but watch it happen. I actually had the priveledge of watching it happen at about 250 yards about 20 years ago. I was hanging on the edge of a big field in Alpina, Michigan with my scent blowing out into the field. A spike buck was feeding out in the middle of the field. When he hit my scent he just locked up, backed up a few steps and started wind testing and looking around. 250 yards! A great lesson in the ability of the whitetails nose.

Tonight is Halloween, tomorrow a wedding rehearsal for a niece, the night after that we are invtited to my bro in laws for dinner, Sat night is the wedding. I won't get to hunt again until Sunday after the Bengals lose   :(

[snakewood3]

Seems like the does never make stupid mistakes.

[RayMO]

No other animal that I know of is ready to bolt ALL THE TIME. Isn't it great!

Only exception to the rule is those poor love struck spikes, almost feel sorry for them  :D

[Golden Hawk]

So Cool! Up close and personal. Hope ya get a good one Mickey.

[mjc]

Sounds like a great encounter. Sure gets the ol heart pumping.

[MOBow]

Good story Mickey.  Good luck on Sunday.  Hunting.  I think the bengals need more than luck.  ha   keith

[Ben Woodring]

Neat story!  I call it winding up when they catch that scent.  It's like they have an internal spring that goes on stand by for the big jump. Very exciting

[TexMex]

Very Cool Story!

Gracias!

[Wulomac]

Sounds like a successful hunting adventure to me!

[Aeronut]

Good adventure Mickey.  It's really neat and frustrating to be close enough to hear them breathe when they hit your scent.  You know it's over and there is nothing you can do.  Been there too many times.

Dennis

[Mark Baker]

Being at ground level only intesifies the experience....for them and for you!    Oh well, you can't cover all the bases.   Sooner or later one will come down the right path.  Thanks for sharing Mickey!