I started the day by spooking two deer on the trail I had just cut saturday afternoon ,{dang lazy, oppertunistic deer}, so I figured I might have just blown my day but I traveled on to the stand I set the night before. I had decided to go ahead and take a buck regardless of size since I had seen a nice 6-point last week and not much since. About 8:30 I saw a spike come out at the point about 150 yards acrosss the field then my plans changed, right behind him was a real nice buck. I had left my field glasses in my pack at the base of the tree so I didn't get a good look but what I could see with my bare eyes was impressive. I watched as the spiketurned to the west out one of the trails and the big buck walked back towards the house on the same trail I came down that morning.
About 20 minuites latter two does came out of the tall grass to my right and slowly fed across the area I had mowed around my new trees. They had just made it to the far side of the field when a small spike entered from the tall grass and followed them across the field and into the woods. I soon heard a crash through the woods to my left and a doe came running out, jumped the fence and stopped in front of me, broadside, 20 yards, looking back over her shoulder away from me. Curious what was behind her I didn't take the shot, only for her to walk off and the spike come walking up the trail behind her.
Having seen the big buck earlier I decided not to take a shot on the small spike either. Funny how the sight of a big buck can change your plans. Awhile latter I heard a series of grunts behind me to my right and soon a 6-point came walking along the fence in front of my stand. I might regret it latter but again I let him walk.
Do you think I might have made the shot? He was about 8 yards away in the photo. If you look to the right you can see me and my ladder stand shadowed with the tree. I sat for anouther hour and saw another 8-pointer with his nose down traveling up the valley to my left. Things got quiet after that, it was about 11:30 so I had a little snack then decided to go back to the house for some family time we hada planned.
I'm off work wed, thur, fri. so I hope to have some more good hunting and hopefully see the big one again. Lets hear some stories from the rest of you guys, I hope I'm not the only one hunting.
Good luck to all, be careful and hunt smart. Steve H.
__________________
I know you think you understand what you think I said, BUT I'm not sure that what you heard is what I actually meant !!
