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Day 2 Nov 10th Set up the game plan that I would push to Mike, Dominick, Shawn and Connor. Wind was perfect South East blowing my smell back to the river area. I pushed but did not see any deer until I was about a mile plus into the drive. Doe busted me smoking directly on the trail (High ridge line.) and headed North then West I believe. Kept pushing East and Slightly South. At about 2:30 I saw a deer but could not identify if it was a buck. I tried a few calls but it was so windy I do not think he heard me or was not paying attention to my calls. Real high winds this day! Regardless I lost him and could not see him after scanning for a few minutes then stalking upon the area I last saw him. Found his tracks where still going east but he was heading south going downhill towards Moose River. After sneaking and peaking for about an hour I still could not see him and decided to pick up the pace and go after him even if just to push him into my other hunters who were supposed to be in the area, it was getting late. About 20 minutes later I was able to see him from a ridge and identify him as a young buck. At about 100 yards I wanted to get a bit closer for a good shot and slow stalked to about 75 yards. I found a nice seat with a tree and steadied my shot even though he was not the stud I was looking for I still had to calm myself as my aim was sloppy. Steady on second attempt with good breathing and squeezing the trigger I cracked the silence of the woods. He bucked good and started to head back to my location. After about 45 seconds he was perfect broadside again at 50 yards, I shot again as he kicked again, good hit. He dropped about 70 yards from the last hit as the radios where going crazy with chatter, I let everyone know a buck was down. With everyone wanting to know where I was I let them know I was going to clean out the deer and start the drag. I wanted to save the heart but it was split in two. I made it about 20 yards before calling back for help! lol This was not a big deer (165-170) but my ankle is in bad shape! After changing batteries in the radio and GPS to give my location it was starting to get close to dark. I was able to drag the deer about 120 yards before the NFA crew caught up to me, it was also nice seeing two more deer as a Doe and her yearling daughter passed my location. That made my total sightings for deer at 4 in two days. About 700 more yards to get the deer out and we were back to a camp site where we could retrieve our vehicles. We got out about 15 minutes after dark and I traveled about 3 miles for the day. We cheered to the buck who gave its life so that we may enjoy the thrill of the chase and the bounty he provides. We enjoyed the tenderloins with barbeque sauce and it was delicious. Mike, Shawn, Connor and Dominick helped with the drag and Jason who arrived the same day was able to enjoy the bounty. Hats off to Jason for trying with a traditional bow. Like the new transition glasses but they get real dark in snow conditions even without the sun out. Definitely helped with me seeing deer better. My smallest racked buck yet we had one of the best times in camp ever, thanks guys for a memorable NFA 2018 hunting trip! We dedicated this buck to our dear departed best friend and longtime hunting partner Greg Fives. We were on channel 5.5 had 5 guys who helped drag out the deer and we got out of the woods at 5:55. Last waypoint was 505 and I probably covered about 5.5 miles total in two days. That’s my story and I am sticking to it! RIP Greg Fives your spirit was with us the entire trip and we could not stop talking about you and the stories you left us!

Warning this has adult language! Shooting the top Half of Suffolk Archers warming up for bow season. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pyvuUqD2ZM&feature=em-upload_owner Middle of our course/ starting area, running deer shot. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uh06uikZWxQ&feature=em-upload_owner Our field course and the south side its connect to. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRg7lbZqAKk&feature=em-upload_owner First video is edited to be steady with google edit, second two are in original format. Narrow angle 1080p GoPro Black. Wish the target was in better view at 30 plus yards... I was shooting OK that day but not concentrating on the closer shots... Like the camera just wish it was a little better at low light and long distance and battery life, remote is nice to turn it on but drains the battery more. Head mount works well if you wear a hat, mounting accessories offer many options. Waterproof enclosure makes sound null but ensures long life in harsh hunting conditions. Overall good camera with nice features.

Lost a good friend and one of the 4 original people in the NFA club. Christopher James Flathmann passed away on 6/29/13 of a supposed self inflicted gun shot. Chris was a stable NFA member for years and his story telling was epic. He was present at my first buck kill and helped with the drag. We will miss you dearly brother. RIP This years NFA ADK Trip will be dedicated to his memory. Although Chris had issues none of his friends could see this coming and are all shocked at the outcome. His drinking was epic yet he stopped a couple of years ago due to health issues yet after he started prescription medication he seemed to change, IMO. Just trying to make sense when that some times seems impossible... ARG!!! WHY! Life is so precious.