Opening Day

[zoschag08]

So I hunted all of archery season in southeastern NY but a good buck never presented himself. I had a couple run-ins with young bucks but held off. I headed home (Cameron County, PA) for the opening day of rifle season. After doing some scouting, bear hunting which provided a 177lb bruin, I determined that my normal options weren't going to produce the quality of buck I was looking for. I decided to join my brother in a relatively new area that he had been working in as a forester.

We set out at 5am on opening morning and I was headed to the edge of a point behind two very thick clear cuts over looking two hallows. I got to my seat, turned out to be a couple downed trees, around 7 and sat down. My hope was that having beat people into the area someone might come in after I did and push something to me but to add a little reassurance I drug a scent line behind me on my way in. After around an hour of listening to a war going on to my north I began to question my positioning. I stood up on my log to get a better look onto the bench below me and stretch a little when I heard some leaves/snow rustling. I slowly turned back to where I had walked in from and saw this buck making its way off the top bench. I was slightly off balance on the log but twisting my body was able to get my gun up and on him. He stopped at a downed tree roughly 40 yards from me and began to act a little spooked. Afraid that I would not be presented another shot I took the off blanched free hand shot and preceded to do a split and landed on the log. Thinking there was no way I hit him I let another shot rip as he tore down the bench and out of sight.

With all my adrenaline racing I went up to begin my search for blood and found none. I tracked him for around 150 yards with no sign, dejected I made my way back to my spot and texted my brother who was hunting on the next hillside over. He encouraged me by saying that the first shot sounded good and that I should press on. Well needless to say I'm extremely happy I did because no more than 50 yards after I stopped tracking I found blood. I followed it for around another 100-150 yards and there he lay at the edge of a spring. He was a 3 1/2 year old 9 point with a 17 and 1/4 inch spread. I don't know if I've ever experienced such a swing of emotions in such a short time. You have to love being able to share times like that with family. Such a great way to spend a chilly Monday morning!

[Red]

Congrats good story to with a very nice buck

[Huntingbum]

Congratulations my friend... glad we have those around us that keep us encouraged and have us press on. It definitely paid off for you.

Love the smile. Well earned.

[WNYBuckHunter]

Congrats!

[Khalid]

Congrats