Post by: huntingbaldguy on October 22, 2014, 02:01:38 AM
So onward to the hunting grounds, we slowly crept back a couple miles where we came upon a deer crossing the gated logging road we were walking around 5:15pm. We didn't get a look at it's head, but it looked like a big bodied buck all alone. It bounded off over a ridge pretty quick. I suspected that it would circle back, so i told my buddy, lets continue on to our destination, and on the way back give it enough shooting light to try and get this guy if it's legal. So on the way back, we are creeping. All of a sudden we hear the telltale pounding of the ground a blacktail makes upon attempting an escape, in the same area we saw the first deer. I saw it bound away, and already had my scope covers off and safety off with my crosshairs following him until he stopped, which i knew he would. As i thought, he stopped behind some brush right in a window between a couple saplings, completely broadside. Looked at his head and saw a pair of 2-3 inch spikes. Debated with myself for the next 5 seconds on whether to pull or not, and i decided not to. Week and a half left in the season, getting into rut activity, let the little guy grow.
That was the first legal buck i've seen that i felt would have been an ethical shot, in this any buck unit. I've kind of been kicking myself at times, and others i've been telling myself it's all good, i'll see more. Hope i'm right. Thanks for reading.
Post by: Jonathan_S on October 22, 2014, 04:41:05 AM
It makes you feel good and very in control.
Post by: jtw on October 22, 2014, 05:43:53 AM
Post by: huntingbaldguy on October 22, 2014, 06:09:03 AM
Post by: coachcw on October 22, 2014, 06:26:03 AM
Post by: DIYARCHERYJUNKIE on October 22, 2014, 06:49:09 AM
Post by: _TONY_ on October 22, 2014, 06:50:57 AM
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on October 22, 2014, 07:03:14 AM
Post by: sirmissalot on October 22, 2014, 07:18:38 AM
Post by: DIYARCHERYJUNKIE on October 22, 2014, 07:26:02 AM
Post by: Old Man Yager on October 22, 2014, 08:40:37 AM
Post by: Blacktail Sniper on October 22, 2014, 10:34:04 AM
Today, tomorrow, next week, if you decide to pull the trigger on a spike or a 4x4, it will be because that was the right decision for you at that moment.
Enjoy the process and time spend out chasing and enjoying the critters. Count every blacktail that you could have tagged as a victory.
Post by: mfswallace on October 22, 2014, 02:25:02 PM
Post by: floatinghat on October 22, 2014, 02:43:59 PM
Post by: huntingbaldguy on October 23, 2014, 01:46:08 AM
I've seen a lot of yearlings with does though. I've seen quite a few does when in my hunting area. It's just the bigger bucks haven't started to really move around in the open. We plan to set up shop on a ridge and watch Friday for a large portion of the day.
Post by: jtw on October 23, 2014, 05:38:41 AM
It's been messing with my head honestly. I feel ok with my decision but the evil guy on my shoulder is like, "what if you don't see anything the rest of the season?"
That thought has creeped into my head I don't know how many times. But, I've also had the idea creep in that I may still get a shot on something better. Between the two I'd say I'm slightly manic-depressive about the issue.
Still better than some years when I've gone the whole early season without seeing any bucks.
Post by: huntingbaldguy on October 23, 2014, 06:04:56 AM
It's been messing with my head honestly. I feel ok with my decision but the evil guy on my shoulder is like, "what if you don't see anything the rest of the season?"
That thought has creeped into my head I don't know how many times. But, I've also had the idea creep in that I may still get a shot on something better. Between the two I'd say I'm slightly manic-depressive about the issue.
Still better than some years when I've gone the whole early season without seeing any bucks.
I hear that. Last year was the same for us after i shot my spike. Didn't see another deer, let alone a buck in a hunting area in daylight.