So to start this off a backdrop. I've been hunting an area I was drawn for an archery management hunt. It started Nov 1 and runs til the 30th. I took the first day off from work and sat in my stand for the entire day. I saw an 8 pt about 40 yards and had a 5 pt walk by about 11 yds. Now since this is a management hunt you have to take a doe first.
Most of the area has a lot of straight trees for using a climbing stand. But that leaves you exposed a lot. The first deer that came close spotted me right off. I was in a double trunk oak hoping for some cover but she came in the way that skylined me.
She looked at me multiple times while continuing on a course that gave me a shot. However with her looking at every little attempt to dr I rushed the shot and shot high while she ducked at the same time. No luck.
Fast forward a week and I was in a spot with my hang on stand in between some big oaks to give me cover. First sit I saw deer all morning but none came thru on the trail in front of me. Sat this spot several times but no luck. When the leaves dropped I was picking up on deer movement on a small ridge about 120 yds away. I went and got my climbing stand and sat it that evening. I had 2 small bucks come by within range but also got spotted by 3 different does.I saw 11 that night including a big doe with a really good buck following her. Going back the next morning I saw 7 more does. That morning I moved my loc on stand over here to a hickory with a couple big oaks near hoping to give me cover.
I really felt this spot would pay off. I told the guys at work I was getting one Saturday. Confidence never hurts.
First thing I saw a buck way above me on the ridge. He was feeding then trotted off over the ridge. About an hour later I spotted 2 does coming. They were on a path to pass by about 35 yards in the brush. When they got even with me the lead doe changed course and came down toward me. Coming in about 12 yards she stopped broadside and looked up the hill away from me. My shot is away.
The shot looks perfect and I watch her go down about 50 yds away.
I'm relieved to have this first one. I can take 3 deer on this hunt. I will say I have not been picked off by this many does ever. I'm not sure why they're looking up in an area that's not hunted.
Congratulations
Congrats on your doe and good luck on your buck!
Bisch
Congratulations
Congrats :thumbsup:
bout time, :biglaugh: i was wondering how you been doing in there. thats great you got a doe down. congratts! :thumbsup:
Attaboy Danny!! Stay after them
Tim B
Great job man!! :thumbsup:
Congratulations, Dan! Nice shootin'
--Mike
Nice job!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Congratulations Sir!
Congratulations
Hap
Way to go sir! Good luck on your buck. Can't wait to "hear" the rest of the story when that happens! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Congrats!!!
Excellent!!!