Last year, I was only able to hunt a few times, due to moving. But this year, I had plans to be in the woods, as much, as possible. Well, my plans did not pan out. I had foot surgery that did not heal, as quickly, as normal. This prevented me from being able to climb into a tree, so on my second time out on, which was Friday, I hunted of the ground. This is something I have only done a few times and wanted to do more, but habits are hard to break.

Getting back, to the hunt. I set up under a hedge tree, about 8 yards off an old path that ran north to south through the property. Within 10 minutes of getting set up, a bobcat cruised through. After setting there about 30 minutes a small 6 pointer cruised through. I grunted at him, just to see his reaction, which was not much. Around 4:45, I heard the sound, of footsteps in the leaves. It was a doe just slowing moving down the path from right to left. Even though she look directly at me, she never knew I was there. After she was out of my view, I heard foot steps again. When I first saw the buck, he looked strange, then I realize that he had broken most of his antlers off and he looked worn down. I let him pass by. About 5 minutes later, a small 6 pointer cruised by. That was 3 deer less than 8 yards that never knew I was there. At that point, I was really enjoying this hunt. Not 10 minutes later, I heard the same sound of leaves crunching. I raised my bow and saw a really, nice buck following the does trail at slight trot. As he passed me and was slowing angling away I came to anchor and released. Immediately the deer hit the ground. I was in shock, that he went down that quickly. The arrow hit him behind the shoulder and did a complete pass through.

After field dressing it and getting home to finish the job, I found that the arrow cut through the main section of the heart. Still didn't make since the he dropped immediately, but at least I did not have to track him on bad foot.

He is a main frame 8 point with one kicker point, so I will call him a 9 pointer.

Side note, while I was parked next to the road, a guy stopped by to take look at my deer. When I told him, I killed it with long bow from the ground, he could not believe it and was quite impressed. Kind a made me poke my chest out a little.

Well done.  Congratulations.

Sounds like you were in the right place at the right time. Congrats on your success. Thanks for sharing your experience.  

That's a dandy! Congrats

Great looking buck, congrats!

Very nice harvest...congrats!

Thanks guys

What a beauty......well done.......          

Very nice deer. Good Job

Way to go, he's a nice one!!!!!!

Congrats  

Excellent!

Way to go Ricky! He is a might fine buck too. Really like the mass in the first picture. I admire you for being able to shoot one from a ground blind, That is quite an accomplishment.

Outstanding!!!

Congrats! A super nice buck    

Wow. That is a Great Buck! Dream material for sure.

Congratulations!

Attaboy!!
Tim B