Got this buck the last 5 minutes of daylight on the last day of modern rifle. A friend had emailed earlier in the day inviting me up to his farm where he had seen several bucks hanging around recently. I did not plan on hunting deer or elk this year so I hadn't bought my tags for this season. A quick trip to the sporting goods store at 2pm to get my tag took place before I could head up his way. The snow had been falling since around noon and everything was starting to cover over with white... I sat in a blind watching a couple does as the darkness rapidly approached. I noticed some movement at the far end of the field approximately 450-500 yards away. It appeared to be a buck chasing a doe. He was being very cautious and hanging right on the edge of the tree line. We jumped into my friends truck and drove down to the far end of the field to get a closer view when we noticed about 4-5 does to our left in the center of the field. My buck was off to the left of the does with its head down so I could not see it horns. With total darkness moments away I watched until it lifted its head and turned towards the group of does. I asked my friend if he saw horns but got no reply. I was sure I had seen horns but began to second guess myself. As the deer approached the does I saw the tips again and decided it was now or never. Up to this point I had remained very calm, composed and collected! After the bang... it dropped in an instant. This is where my buck fever or whatever you want to call it kicked in. I began shaking all over inside. Exhilaration, excitement, along with with a bunch of other emotions took hold. I was a bit dumbfounded that I actually had shot the deer and was a bit uneasy to approach it. This was the moment I had been waiting so long for yet I was somehow unprepared to deal with it. Now, hours later as I sit here and write and reflect, I realize how blessed I am to have such wonderful friends in my life to offer up and share with me such an opportunity that I just experienced. I can also relate to many of the hunters and their stories and commradery that takes place each and every day on this hunting forum. I thank God for my gift I received today and hope that we can all look forward to many more memorable experiences in our future. I eagerly await next hunting season!!!
