When a guy puts a two year story to bed, I thought it should be documented. Forgive the long post.
Chased this buck for 2 years. Public land and bow only. Obsessed to say the least.
Started hunting a new area last year and he started showing up on camera pretty regularly. Saw him one time on the hoof early in October last year but did not provide a shot. That was the only encounter I had with him until this past Friday. This was him last year.
Killed a good 9pt out the stand behind him in December but the one above never showed back up while I was there last year. I hoped he made it thru the year and I was pleased to see him show back up on camera early this spring. I think below is the first pic I had of him this year.
He exploded this summer and I could wait to see how much he would grow week to week. He amazed me in early August when I got this pic. I knew he was turning into something special and knew from this picture that I would only be hunting 1 deer this year.
Season opened and he of course went nocturnal. Only day light pic I had occurred at 8:15 on a Sunday morning in October. Of course I was at church but I knew the Lord would repay me for having my priorities in order. This pic was of him late October and I knew if I put in the time he would eventually mess up.
Took last Friday off knowing the time of the year was great and that a cold front was coming on Friday night with temps expected to fall into the teens. Friday morning sat until 10:30. Not a single deer seen. Got back in the stand that afternoon at 2:30 and at 4:00 straight up he walks in solo to 18 yards. Happened quick. Went for a heart shot and hit a little high. He ran 50 yards to the edge of a draw and stopped for 5 minutes. I can see blood. Thought I saw him dip his head and go over. Texted a buddy and said "get here now!" He shoed up 30 minutes later and we met at the truck and then went to look at shot. Arrow was broken off at fletching and broadhead and arrow looked good. Paintbrush blood all the way to where I saw him stop. Next thing we see is him on the other side of the holler on his feet and moving fast. We backed out, went to the house and waited for my oldest son to get home. Had some pizza and talked about what we wanted to do next. Figured we would go look for blood from where he got up. Found it and followed until it went spotty. Regretfully, we backed out again and figured as cold as it was going to get we would pick it up again Saturday morning.
Saturday morning at sunup we found 1 more spot of blood and it went cold. Thick area that was blackberry thicket and hedge apple infested. THICK bedding area. Grid searched until 10:00 with no sign and then my buddy texts to say he jumped him. Went to his area and good pool of blood from where he had laid up overnight but not as much as I wanted to see. Waited till 10:45 at that spot and gave my son the cross bow as his eyes and wits are better than mine and said "be looking out in front, I'll stay back and follow your lead.".
We trailed for another 70 yards and he raised his hand to stop and motioned that the deer was laid up 15 yards in front of him. I told him to immediately get another arrow in him. Got him to raise his head by throwing a rock and he put one in the neck. 5 minutes later it was over.
169 7/8's first score. 15 points. 19.5 inside. Best thing was that my boy and I got to experience this together for the last 2 years!! Little sad its over but more happy to put my hands on him.
Thanks for reading.
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Originally Posted by Casslaw
Anderson Services LLC
Lea
