Good end to the 09 Season - Deer Hunting - Deer Hunting

After spending MANY MANY days in the woods this fall it has finaly came to an end. I would consider this season to be average to just below average for our group. We didnt shoot a lot of deer but did get a few nice bucks and enough meat to fill the freezer. Although the last 3 days have been very chilly it all paid off on new years day as I harvasted a decent 8 pointer. One that I will call the “Hangover” buck. Not to much of a story behind this one as I hadnt seen him before or even knew that he was in the area. I was set up on a knowen late season food source. At about 4:00 I could hear crunching snow behind me. By the time I slowly stood up and turned to see what it was he was just off my left hand shoulder. As he got closer I noticed that this was a buck that had shed its horns already. As he was feeding a mere 5 yards away on the side I didnt have much cover on, I heard another deer coming. I knew I couldnt move, so I strained my eyes as much as I could to the left to see what it was. I had a good feeling that it was another buck because if It was a doe, I figured she would have came through first. And finally just as I thought he steped out. For the next 5 to 10 minutes he decided to chase around the other buck not offering me a shot. They finally calmed down and the buck without horns settled in only 5 yards from my stand. Not knowing exactly what they were going to do and having the 8 pointer at 10 yards and broadside I figured it was now or never. The other buck so timely put his head behind a tree and the 8 pointer had his head down facing away giving me just enough time to get pulled back. I settled the pin and “let’er fly”. Ended up taking out both lungs to make for a short recovery.

All and all patience paid off after spending many hours in the woods. I hope everyone had an enjoyable season. And looking forward to what is to come for 2010, whatever that may be.

Sorry for the poor pic. I left my camera at home and dropped the deer off to get processed on my way home. I plan on doing either a european mount or just the horns on a plaque and will get some more pics up when thats done.