The buck stops here

[Whynot]

Deer season got off to a slow start this year between the warm weather, an overfull plate at work and lack of deer sightings on cameras. We had a few resident does and fawns but not a sign of buck activity whatsoever.

Finally had a chance to get out this past Saturday. We had some blowing and stomping, busted a deer into the field once it was dark as we left our spots.

The solo resident doe had already been taken, so of course we start thinking roaming buck and the mind starts turning.

Sunday was crap weather and we stayed home.

Monday evening I get a window and head to the opposite side of the property where we have an old kid’s treehouse set back in cedars. This spot has produced 3 deer in 5 years, with a few other missed opportunities.

As is usual for deer, I freeze my tail off for 3 hrs facing the wind and in the final minutes I see a deer walking my way along the edge of the field. At first I think small doe, but then it stops and scrapes, standing tall to get some branches. It’s a buck but I can’t see antlers in the dusk.

I estimate he’s at least 110yds out (forgot my range finder), beyond my confident range with a shotgun and it is looking straight at me as it stands to scrape branches so I can’t get the scope on him (turns out he was closer to 130… low light will mess with your eyes!) He looks away, I get the gun up, ready for him to keep walking my way when he casually turns and walks into the bush. I wait, biceps cramping until my phone silently rings in my pocket to tell me shooting time has closed. Pack up, go home, verrrrry quietly.

My hunting buddy then texts me this photo where he came into the field (170yds from my spot). Nice young buck is in the area. Game on!

[Whynot]

Tuesday afternoon my buddy and I head out (3 of us collaborate on this property).

He goes where we had action on Saturday and I set-up in a chair across from my treehouse 25ys downwind of where deer come into the field and 65yds from where he ducked into the bush the night before (the two poplars at field edge in the pic). I’m 5 yds behind one of our trail cams with a clear shooting lane.

I don't know how to explain it, but I just knew it was THE day.

[Whynot]

Takes a bit to get the new spot setup and settle in - it's around 3:00pm, I’m ready.

Get a text from our other buddy who is still at work but gets the spypoint alerts – doe at the mineral lick, which is behind me in the bush, heading my way.

Before I can even get ready three does come busting into the field full gallop, run right by me in a blur. Dammit, didn’t even have chance to shoulder the gun.

I send the text – “does ran by me, heading your way”.

I sit there, have a sip of tea, and curse myself for not being ready.

Then it clicks – if rut is on, he may not be far behind.

As I put the gun on the shooting stick out of the corner of my eye I see antlers through the grass just before he walks into the field, 20 yds out, slow walk, quartering toward me.

I’m about to take the shot on the move as I figure if he doesn’t see those does in the field he’s for sure on their scent and is not going to stick around. I’m also pretty close and a bit exposed so I didn’t want to risk adjusting my aim and spooking him, even though I don't really want to take a quartering to shot.

Set the cross hairs on the foreleg, aimed a bit high given the range, squeezed, nothing. Idiot, safety was on. Rookie mistake!

Turned out to be a blessing. The click of the safety stopped his walk in the perfect position. Shifted to an inch behind the leg, took a deep breath, fired and made my cleanest shot yet on a deer. I didn’t get heart – was afraid of missing low at close range, but he was spraying as he ran away, dropped less than 30yds into the bush.

[Whynot]

The obligatory pose with the weapon of choice: Remington 870 pump with adjustable stock pistol grip and Vortex scope shooting Hornady 3" SST slugs.

My heart still pumping like mad.

[Whynot]

Better shot after the clean and drag. Nice healthy 10pointer.

I’m so pumped how it all worked out, from the observation to changing location and then a whole lot of luck. Best hunt I’ve had yet since starting to chase whitetails 5yrs ago.

[Whynot]

Last shot, hanging in the shop showing shot trajectory CSI-style.

My first two kills weren’t clean - my first xbow strike only clipped one lung and liver and my first gun shot was low from a treestand and busted through sternum. All I wanted was a good clean kill and I’m so pleased with this shot considering the range and angle.

I can already taste the venison-moose burgers (if you haven’t, you must)!

Perfect temps for hanging.

[Disco]

Congratulations on that great buck.

The detailed story was great

[speckyfishing]

Hey Bud ...
Nice Buck that property looks very familiar..lol
Congrats
A few deer from there .
Brings back memories

[mydogbites]

Now that's realaity, great play by play and congrats on your harvest, My 870 wouldn't pattern SST but it will do amazing with Accu tips.

[Drew]

Right on, great read and congrats on the buck

[ORH]

Great job!

[Species8472]

Congrats! Great read.

[sabmgb]

great story nice buck. my 870 likes accu tips as well.

[Nuclear]

Cograts great buck

[icehicker]

congrats great buck