Syracuse.com - Port Byron bow hunter harvests huge Conquest buck, eventually finding it under a full moon

[HuntingNY-News]

"Tracking a big buck on a cold moonlit night, and eventually finding him is a great thrill, and an unforgettable experience," he said.

Submitted photo

Tom McDaries, of Port Byron poses with his huge buck that he shot with his bow in the town of Conquest. It weighed 210 pounds after being field dressed, he said.

McDaries wrote: " I watched the big buck enter the cornfield several different times, always a little beyond my shooting distance. Each time I'd see him, the next time I would try to reposition myself in the brush for better advantage.

"I prefer to hunt on the ground, hunting from a tree stand always seemed like cheating.

On November 10th I picked a spot in some heavy briar bushes and with the leafy man outfit I was very well concealed. There was a full moon and I knew the deer would be active.

"The buck entered the far end of the field and walked directly to me. The arrow found its mark, and the buck bounded off. I've learned from experience that patience is very important. I decided to return home, which is not far from the cornfield, and wait until 8 pm to begin the tracking process

"I recruited the help of a friend Dwain Close who outperforms any blood hound. At 8pm under a full moon we began the search. In a short time Dwain spotted him and decided we should wait longer.

"We returned home and agreed to resume the search at midnight. The moon was still very bright and after a short time we found the buck near a small stream. he dressed out at 210 lbs.

"I am convinced that "constancy to purpose is the secret to success". Bow hunting is a great sport and any deer taken with a bow and arrow is a trophy.

"Tracking a big buck on a cold moonlit night, and eventually finding him is a great thrill, and an unforgettable experience .

View the full article on The Syracuse Outdoors Blog