Saw zero deer movement yesterday. Sitting in that cold not seeing anything moving but squirrels and birds was to say the least disheartening. Heard some shooting north of me so some deer were moving.
Then when I got down after dark yesterday the neighbor called and said he saw 8 across the road but were heading my way at last light.
Didn’t see them but to be honest that field is a 1/4 mile as the crow flies from where I was.
Camera showed good movement but all after dark between 1900-0300 so they’re there still.
Woke up this morning with not a lot of enthusiasm but got to the stand and situated well before legal shooting time.
Around 7:30 I catch movement across the creek from me about 75 yards out. 2 doe were moving left to right but not angling towards where I can shoot. Watched them walk towards their bedding area and out of sight.
Just then I catch movement ahead of me on my side of the creek. 4 antlerless making their way towards me. The lead doe was the biggest by far. She was ahead of them by 30-40 yards. Got ready and clicked the safety off and waited. She was facing me at 60 yards and no shot. Waited and she came closer and 40 yards went broadside between 2 trees that were about 2’ apart. Leveled the crosshairs on her and squeezed.
Gun went off, but of course the smoke and recoil I didn’t see how she reacted at the hit.
But she ran directly away with the tail tucked, good sign. Watched her run a long ways out into a swamp. Then she got behind some thick stuff and lost her. Thought I heard her drop. But wasn’t sure. Waited 20 minutes and got down and reloaded in case of a follow up needed. Went down to where she was standing and no blood or hair.
Damn, no way I missed. Followed track for about 20 yards and the red snow showed a good hit. Had to be spraying out of her mouth as it was if a paint brush was shaking out.
Went about a hundred yards and started getting an uneasy feeling. Went another 20-30 yards and kept an eye as the blood trail was still going away that I could visibly see 20 yards ahead of me.
Made it to that area and looked ahead and there she laid.
Made it almost a 160 yards with the bottom 1/3 of her heard detached. The Barnes spitfire 250 grain did its job.
Crazy how tough these deer are. She was a 2.5 year old and about a 150lbs.
The jet sled worked great getting her out in the snow. Neighbor came over and gave me a hand dragging and lifting the sled into the bed of the truck.
I get buy with a little help from my friends. Yeah that song should stick in your head for a while.
So my season is over. No regrets as I had plenty of opportunities at lesser bucks that all got a pass. Was able to get 2 doe during reg gun season and now this one. So the full freezer will once again be able sustain us for another off season.
Here’s hoping everyone still chasing these critters all the luck in the world.