Running out of time ........ This has been an overall interesting season and its not over yet (Bowseason goes until Mid January) even thought my season is over for firearms. This firearm season started out as being quite boring due to seeing trails leading to corn fields and my inability to adapt.

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g1/hoopteeh/Hunting/DSC00668.jpg


The squirrels continually eat the corn that is too wet to harvest. The deer have an unlimited supply of corn at eye level to eat.

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g1/hoopteeh/DSC00674.jpg

The creeks are continually full and have been out many times now. I make a trip to the old locations were stands were at that have since degraded. Why, well the first season I was more concerned with making sure family was having someone to hunt with and now I am running out of time to kill a deer.

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g1/hoopteeh/DSC00672-1.jpg

I typically hunting different for firearm than I do for bowhunting as we have permanent stands on the hunting property and each day for safety we make sure everyone knows where others will be hunting. This means that I will be sitting in a permanent stand. During the season I passed on many deer for multiple reasons. After 2 weekends of passing on deer I am now into my final weekend. Its the third season and its almost over and my thunderstick is ready to let loose. The only problem is the permanent stands are not were the deer are. Sitting in them will only end in an unfilled tag so I have to make a decision. During bow season I went to the deer, during firearm season I am wanting the deer to come to me. This is a problem since the corn is in the field and the deer are taking new routes. Its just me and my dad as other hunters of our group have just gave up. Its Saturday and they predict rain in the afternoon. On the way to the truck I carry my climber - a clear sign I am not hunting the ritualistic time proven stands that have been a bust this season. Dad says " I know were your going!". I replied," you think you do, were am I going?". He says," your going to the end of the road." I knew they are moving from the woods to the corn field. So here was my plan. I was going to sit 20 yards in the woods at the edge of a cut bean field that has standing corn next to it.

This is a boring place to sit but if I were to bowhunt in the current conditions its were I would go. Heading to a tree I jumped a buck immediatly on the first step into the woods. Its a good sign that the deer are using the edge for cover and feeding in the corn. After about 1 hour in the stand it starts to rain ( no rain coat) and I figure that my stainless with synthetic muzzleloader is fine and I am going to stay even if I become soaking wet. A little after 4 pm 2 does come out into the field. One looks thin and has a limp, the other is a big plump doe. I can't get a clear shot at the nicer doe so I decide to shot the thin doe. I dont have a good rest, aim and fire a shot... BAAAMMM! Smoke fills the air and as it dissipates I notice the thin doe is standing upright. Shes not dead, but is it possible that I could miss? I watch for a couple minutes and realize its a clear miss. As I watch out into the field I hear a deer cutting behind me through the woods. I turn and notice a deer and think it has a rack. I work fast and furious to reload. Turn and the doe is as healthy as a horse. Turning back I loose position of the buck. I search on the other side of the tree and the buck must have been close - it jumps and runs to the ditch in the woods. I finally spot it and get a clean shot. BAAMMMM! the thunderstick bellers out. Again the smoke clears and the deer is gone.

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g1/hoopteeh/THelowdown.jpg

I figure I have to find blood now as its starting to rain again and gonna get dark soon. When I get to the ditch I spot the deer hunched up standing and do a fast reload. One final shot to end the suffering and the hunt is over. :cool:

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g1/hoopteeh/deer121209009-Copy-Copy.jpg

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g1/hoopteeh/BuckGun.jpg

Each season is more interesting than the last, I just enjoy being in the woods. :D

Nice looking buck
Whats he got going on at the tip of his left G3 ?



That's one small ML in the last picture. :D

Nice looking buck
Whats he got going on at the tip of his left G3 ?



That's one small ML in the last picture. :D



Nice buck.
Looks like what I would call an acorn knot.:D

Great story and the map thingy really added to it. Congrats my friend, you did well!

Nice buck and a cool story. Thanks for sharing.

Nice looking buck
Whats he got going on at the tip of his left G3 ?



That's one small ML in the last picture. :D


I would guess an acorn also. Not sure what causes those... if its genetics or damage to the velvet at the antlers are growing.

The small ML in the photo is to show the weapon used. (If you think that is small, you should see my bow. :eek:)

I especially like the blood trail and gut pile.

I especially like the blood trail and gut pile.

LOL, I agree. Great story and illustrations and a nice buck too, Congrats!

I especially like the blood trail and gut pile.

Speaking of gut piles did you put a trail cam over it "D" ?


(If you think that is small, you should see my bow. )

I didn't think you were a trophy hunter.
Size doesn't matter then right ? :P

Yeah, interesting story and the map was very cool. Happy to see you got yourself a good deer!

Very cool everything as always with your posts Debunk. Congrats!

Great story and pics, Congrats D!