Crept into an area at first light. Got right up on a group of about 8 or so. Got REEAALLLY close and got busted. Group split and trotted off, half to the left into the clearcut and half to the right into the treeline/thick. Went after the bigger buck to the left into the clearcut and tracked him hard and slow. They didn't really run, just trotted off and then walked to their beds. Just about on the Big Boy when this spike comes out of nowhere and busts me and sends the group downhill into a deep canyon. Too thick to go after them. Worked the clearcut for about another hour and a half (sick to my stomach that I blew it). Decided to walk back out and check the area I first found them. Got back to the area they were feeding and started checking their tracks and suddenly out of the corner of my eye, I see a small doe jump up in the treeline about 30 yards away and look at me. My heart starts pumping, looking around for a buck or other deer with her. Sure enough another big boy stands up right next to her that I couldn't see in the brush. Nailed him right in the shoulder/heart. Went about 10 to 15 yards and dropped dead. This is my third year hunting Marckworth and I love it. Really happy to harvest another quality blacktail out of here again this year. Think I got his dad last year. A lot of the same characteristics. Let me know if these pics post, struggling with posting pics.
