This morning was windy and warm, and after 2 hours of nearly getting seasick in a treestand, I decided to do a bit of still hunting. I had one specific area in mind; it is a well used bedding area, and I have had little success getting there without spooking deer. So, this morning, the wind was perfect to check the area, and the wind noise was helping me be somewhat stealthier.
I got to the area after moving verrrry slowwwwly, and was glassing when down a well used trail, I saw a nice whitetail. He seemed intent on the trail, which was good luck for me.
I saw what would be a good place for a shot if he should continue on his route, and got ready. This buck evidently had read the script, because on he came, and when he got to where I planned on shooting, he hesitated. Bad move on his part.
I don't remember shooting, but the arrow appeared in his side, and he turned and ran, with the arrow showing just a bit of fletching out of his side.
Now, the interminable wait began. The area where he ran is an open field, but because of brush, I couldn't see where he went, so I stood and replayed the shot over and over again. My replays kept telling me that the shot was good, but since he moved when I shot, I wasn't sure. After about 15 minutes, I went the 20 yards to where he stood when I shot, and I found a few drops of blood, and earth that was churned up where he ran. I backed off again, and in another eternity (15 minutes), I took up the trail, and immediately I ran out of blood.
I could find no blood after about 15 feet, so I began yet another slow stalk in the direction that he ran. It didn't take long to see an antler tip; in fact he only went 50 paces. Here he is:
Autopsy showed lungs, liver and paunch got hit, and I doubt he lasted 10 seconds. For those who are interested, I used a 56# Pronghorn t/d, cedar arrows, and Magnus 2 blade. At the shot, he turned, which gave me an extreme quartering away shot. The arrow entered back, but penetrated paunch, liver and lungs, and was buried to the fletch.
Topic: This morning was a good one (Read 2643 times)
