Sleepless night ahead...(Updated: Found him w/pics)

DuckHunt · Post by **DuckHunt** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 9:20 pm

Its bound to happen when you hunt till dark. Today at 6:55pm I finally had a buck wander within range. I saw him first emerge from the shadows behind a doe about 60 yards away. He wandered up the ridge side toward the top where I am sitting. He offered a broadside opportunity at about 40 yards. There were too many small limbs and simply too much distance for me to feel comfortable with that shot. He continued up the hill to the top with me then turned in my direction! I had the crosshairs fixed on him as he stopped facing head on at under 30 yards. I waited. At about 20 yards he turned broadside and stopped. I stood slightly to clear a limb put the crosshairs on the bullseye and squeezed it off. Since I was on the ground, he was plenty close enough to hear the Rage 3-blade tipped Firebolt make impact. The bucked charged off. I did not hear him fall.

I'm hunting on the East side of the Blue Ridge Mountains, so darkness falls quickly. I didn't want to jump right on the trail, but did want to find the arrow. I waited 10 minutes then stepped over to check for the arrow. When I got to the impact point I turned on my headlight. Within a few seconds of turning on the light (looking downward) I heard a crashing sound that sounded like it was less than 100 yards away. I'm not sure if it was a deer falling, or flying through a thicket. I immediately turned off my light.

I decided to back out and return in the morning. It was below 50 degrees at dark and should get to almost 40 degrees tonight. I'm thinking the buck should be OK.

It was difficult to tell just how large his rack really was, but he certainly met my personal 4-points on one side minimum for this season. Body wise he is the largest I've seen this season. Fingers crossed.

DuckHunt

bradm · Post by **bradm** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 9:28 pm

If you shot it with a rage and put it in the boiler room, you shouldn't have any problem finding it. I can only imagine the sleepless night your going to have. Good luck and keep us posted.

fishnbugdude · Post by **fishnbugdude** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 9:30 pm

Man - I don't think I could sleep either. Sounds like you did the right thing by backing out. So no bolt Eh.

Well God Bless and pray things go well tomorrow.

MC

crazyfarmer · Post by **crazyfarmer** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 9:36 pm

goodluck man.. i shoulda had one with 4 on each side also, but my string had other plans

he will be fine with the cool air tonight

cdup · Post by **cdup** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 9:36 pm

Good decision you made. Good luck and post pic. after you recover him.

wabi · Post by **wabi** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 9:39 pm

When in doubt it's best to back off and wait.
We'll be waiting to hear the outcome.
At 40° he should still be fine in the morning.

Sandman · Post by **Sandman** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 9:45 pm

For what it's worth I think you made the right choice~! Best of luck in the am.....Ifin you were a little closer I would offer my assistance~!

Cheers,
Robin

saxman · Post by **saxman** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 9:50 pm

Sounds like a good shot and the deer should be fine
Lots of predators in your area?

Sounds like you did the right thing by backing out
Good luck

DuckHunt · Post by **DuckHunt** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 9:53 pm

saxman wrote:Sounds like a good shot and the deer should be fine
Lots of predators in your area?

I did leave a small doe overnight during rifle season a couple years ago. By morning the back half was gone. That was later in the season so maybe I'll get lucky this time.

DuckHunt

Grizzly Adam · Post by **Grizzly Adam** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 10:05 pm

You'll get him.

Should be cool enough tonight to save the meat, too.

mikej · Post by **mikej** » Tue Oct 07, 2008 10:42 pm

good luck with him

Sandman · Post by **Sandman** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 6:31 pm

Any news???

Alaspan · Post by **Alaspan** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 6:37 pm

After my own experience last week, I think you definitely did the right thing!!!

DropTine · Post by **DropTine** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 6:47 pm

So how much bigger is he then the 1st place Pope and Young buck? I hope you found him lying right where you heard that last crash!

Matt

DanO · Post by **DanO** » Wed Oct 08, 2008 7:19 pm

Sounds like you had little choice. Hope for a calm no wind night ( spreads the scent more I think) and I'm sure things will be fine.

good Luck!

Dan O.