I wish I could post another story, but I can't. We have a new lease and we are still getting acclimated to the quality of deer on the place. We have not utilized any game cameras to survey the properties potential (Strike 1!)This past weekend was my first real chance to hunt without interruption.
A friend and I were hunting together in my bow blind that I built this summer and had three does ease into focus about LST Saturday morning. A fourth deer came into view and I quickly realized it was a buck. The the half-light of the morning usually reveals a depletion in "MUY GRANDE" quality as imagination gives way to decernable sight. However, this morning was atypical as the growing light brought more focus, and we both decided he was a shooter.
My pulse quickened and mouth dried immediately with this realization. Yet, I was still hesitant. The buck milled around at the outskirts of the does feeding at my feeder (This should have registered with me even more that this was a mature deer! Strike 2!) He then eased out of range and into the mesquite flat.
Soon after, we were covered in deer ranging from yearlings, does, and even a young love-sick 8 point that convinced me the rut was alive and well. The day brought us many deer to watch and the hope the BIG BOY would return, but he never did. The cool morning Saturday gave way to unseasonable heat and a blistering south wind that kept the deer alert and spooky for the next couple of days. We finally decided to leave camp and go home to return with more favorable weather.
Lesson learned: Be ready! Have your 30 yard pin sharp and do not hesitate. The deer seems to get bigger the more I reflect on it. I am thankful for time in December and low hunting pressure on our lease. If not, this make a nice sense of urgency to drive the rest of my season.
A friend and I were hunting together in my bow blind that I built this summer and had three does ease into focus about LST Saturday morning. A fourth deer came into view and I quickly realized it was a buck. The the half-light of the morning usually reveals a depletion in "MUY GRANDE" quality as imagination gives way to decernable sight. However, this morning was atypical as the growing light brought more focus, and we both decided he was a shooter.
My pulse quickened and mouth dried immediately with this realization. Yet, I was still hesitant. The buck milled around at the outskirts of the does feeding at my feeder (This should have registered with me even more that this was a mature deer! Strike 2!) He then eased out of range and into the mesquite flat.
Soon after, we were covered in deer ranging from yearlings, does, and even a young love-sick 8 point that convinced me the rut was alive and well. The day brought us many deer to watch and the hope the BIG BOY would return, but he never did. The cool morning Saturday gave way to unseasonable heat and a blistering south wind that kept the deer alert and spooky for the next couple of days. We finally decided to leave camp and go home to return with more favorable weather.
Lesson learned: Be ready! Have your 30 yard pin sharp and do not hesitate. The deer seems to get bigger the more I reflect on it. I am thankful for time in December and low hunting pressure on our lease. If not, this make a nice sense of urgency to drive the rest of my season.