Post by BIG FOX on Dec 31, 2014 7:31:22 GMT -5
Well work was slow the day after Christmas and I had some leave to burn so me and a couple buddies planned on getting out chasing ducks... We were set up early and was expecting a whole lot since the weather was supposed to be so nice.. To our surprise, the birds were plentiful and the shooting was good. We were back at the ramp by 930am having a tailgate breakfast with a 4 man limit of Gadwalls, a couple shovelers, and a lonely ole squaw. Great morning hunt with some good fellas..
The afternoon was looking to be a bust with blue bird weather and the goose hunt we had planned was put on hold. So I went home and switched out my gear for blaze orange and a muzzle loader. Was in the stand on one of my leases by 230pm and at the ready... About 4pm I catch movement to my left, and after glassing I see a small spike working through. He got a pass but I knew it was a good sign that deer may be moving through there. Not 10 minutes later I see a flash of white and see what looks to be a nice buck. I get turned in my stand and ready for a shot. As he clears about 140-150 yards into a small opening I give a loud grunt and he stops, with a large tree blocking his vitals. I am at a stand still as he tries to figure out what that noise was. After what seemed like FOREVER he decided to get moving and started his walk up the hill. I again wait for him to get into a clearing and give a whistle and he stops. I settle my sights and let the Omega bark.. I see him running back the way he came and I have no idea if I hit him or not. He goes about 50 yards and stops and I feverishly try to reload. Next thing I know he simply lays down. I figure this is a good sign as I found it hard to believe he would bed if not hit.. I try to get a visual on him for a follow up shot and cannot get clear. I know with the other people hunting on the lease that day I was afraid if they happen to come out that way on their 4 wheeler there is a good chance of spooking him and me not being able to recover. I decide to lower my gear and start my 30 foot descent down the tree and snail speed and quietness of a church mouse. I make it to the bottom of the tree and he has not moved. I recap my muzzleloader and begin to close the distance. I get to about 75 yards and crest the hill keeping a large oak between us. I peek around the tree and see the deer. His head is up and I think he was going to try and get up but I didn't give him the chance. I readied my shot and anchored him with the follow up. Pretty good late season buck and I was proud to have the chance.
The afternoon was looking to be a bust with blue bird weather and the goose hunt we had planned was put on hold. So I went home and switched out my gear for blaze orange and a muzzle loader. Was in the stand on one of my leases by 230pm and at the ready... About 4pm I catch movement to my left, and after glassing I see a small spike working through. He got a pass but I knew it was a good sign that deer may be moving through there. Not 10 minutes later I see a flash of white and see what looks to be a nice buck. I get turned in my stand and ready for a shot. As he clears about 140-150 yards into a small opening I give a loud grunt and he stops, with a large tree blocking his vitals. I am at a stand still as he tries to figure out what that noise was. After what seemed like FOREVER he decided to get moving and started his walk up the hill. I again wait for him to get into a clearing and give a whistle and he stops. I settle my sights and let the Omega bark.. I see him running back the way he came and I have no idea if I hit him or not. He goes about 50 yards and stops and I feverishly try to reload. Next thing I know he simply lays down. I figure this is a good sign as I found it hard to believe he would bed if not hit.. I try to get a visual on him for a follow up shot and cannot get clear. I know with the other people hunting on the lease that day I was afraid if they happen to come out that way on their 4 wheeler there is a good chance of spooking him and me not being able to recover. I decide to lower my gear and start my 30 foot descent down the tree and snail speed and quietness of a church mouse. I make it to the bottom of the tree and he has not moved. I recap my muzzleloader and begin to close the distance. I get to about 75 yards and crest the hill keeping a large oak between us. I peek around the tree and see the deer. His head is up and I think he was going to try and get up but I didn't give him the chance. I readied my shot and anchored him with the follow up. Pretty good late season buck and I was proud to have the chance.
Attachments:
