Post by royalcoachman on Dec 28, 2009 9:47:32 GMT -5
Went out yesterday around 3p.m. with the hopes of sticking one before the season ends next weekend. With the snowfalling I figured it'd be a peaceful hunt in the woods and an enjoyable time to get out.
Yes it was cold but that didn't last long. I climbed into the stand, sat down, and began attempting to call some does in. (I don't really know any call patterns or anything, I just started honking away...probably sounded like a duck hunter). In any event, about 45 minutes after I sat down I see one doe emerge from a thicket in the woods and begin walking toward me....followed by 7 OTHER DOES! They walked single file toward me and stopped about 40 yards from my stand. I've never shot a deer with a bow so I wanted a closer shot so I didn't wound the animal but a closer shot never presented itself. I watched these deer for 45 minutes as they stood around looking for food seemingly staring at me at times. I drew on one of the does at one point, but there was simply too much thicket in the way to ensure a shot.
Nevertheless...there is NOTHING like experiencing a drought and then having 8 does walk out at you in the middle of a snow storm. I thought my heart was going to jump out my chest.
After about 45 of watching me, the does slowly moved north east (and down wind) of my stand. I gave a few more calls and sure enough, they turned around and came back to my stand stopping and watching for me. This time she was at about 40 yards in a clear shooting lane. I stood up and began to draw. I shifted my foot (so I didn't lose my balance and fall) and when I did she saw or smelled me and took off with all 7 others following suit. Had she walked 15 feet closer she would've crossed the trailcam I had just set up and I might've gotten the kill on camera!
In any event, even if I blank next weekend...I will take great joy in the fun encounter I had last evening. It was a blast! Nothing like it. I hope everyone else who is out there still hunting at least gets to experience something similar before all is said and done. Stay safe and have a happy new year to everyone.
Yes it was cold but that didn't last long. I climbed into the stand, sat down, and began attempting to call some does in. (I don't really know any call patterns or anything, I just started honking away...probably sounded like a duck hunter). In any event, about 45 minutes after I sat down I see one doe emerge from a thicket in the woods and begin walking toward me....followed by 7 OTHER DOES! They walked single file toward me and stopped about 40 yards from my stand. I've never shot a deer with a bow so I wanted a closer shot so I didn't wound the animal but a closer shot never presented itself. I watched these deer for 45 minutes as they stood around looking for food seemingly staring at me at times. I drew on one of the does at one point, but there was simply too much thicket in the way to ensure a shot.
Nevertheless...there is NOTHING like experiencing a drought and then having 8 does walk out at you in the middle of a snow storm. I thought my heart was going to jump out my chest.
After about 45 of watching me, the does slowly moved north east (and down wind) of my stand. I gave a few more calls and sure enough, they turned around and came back to my stand stopping and watching for me. This time she was at about 40 yards in a clear shooting lane. I stood up and began to draw. I shifted my foot (so I didn't lose my balance and fall) and when I did she saw or smelled me and took off with all 7 others following suit. Had she walked 15 feet closer she would've crossed the trailcam I had just set up and I might've gotten the kill on camera!
In any event, even if I blank next weekend...I will take great joy in the fun encounter I had last evening. It was a blast! Nothing like it. I hope everyone else who is out there still hunting at least gets to experience something similar before all is said and done. Stay safe and have a happy new year to everyone.
