There is nothing as fun as sharing the outdoors with family . This year it was my Dad(Old Buck) , me , my brother(Close Up) , his wife(Shehunts) for her first time and my nephew .
First day started quiet with no shots at legal . At about 7:30 I decided to give some calls and a nice 6 pointer came running in . I decided to bring the video camera that day . I was busy trying to get him in frame and I blew the opportunity as he walked away before he posed for the camera .
But deer were spotted by the others so it was not a wasted day . The long walk out .
Second day started the same . No shots . So I broke out the rattle bag and did my best rendition of two fighting . About 10 -15 minutes later this guy comes out and stands infront of the trail camera . Works the licking branch and just go out of frame before the muzzleloader belched out some smoke .
https://youtu.be/Pa-laiBurnY
He came past my stand at 15 yards losing a lot of blood . He went about 30 yards behind me and expired . To say the least my radio transmission to the others was not fit for young ears . I think I was a little excited .
After a few pictures we loaded him on the cart for his ride out . My nephew John posing with him .
I affectionately refer to him as our "John" Deere .
We got him home and posed for the customary toast .
Third day I decided others needed to be moved in stand locations . So because I had a deer I would walk my sister in law and brother into stand locations they had no idea where they were .
I had them in place and I proceeded to start to try and get to where I wanted to go . I was still walking at legal when my brother informs me there is a doe standing at the licking branch infront of the stand . So he shoots her and watches her run off and expire . I continue my slow walk because I am trying to be quiet walking through a minefield of blowndown cedars . I make it to the stand about 1/2 hour into legal and sit down . At about 7:30 my nephew radios his mother that there is a small buck heading her way . She turns in the stand to see him at about 15-20 yards . She comes up on him and tries to pull the trigger . Forgot to take the safety off !!! She thinks she said "Gosh darn" under breath . But he looked up at her . She regained her composure and centered on his chest sending a 20 gauge slug . She watched him run off and fall . Not bad for a first time deer hunter . So I get down from the stand and go to congratulate them .
My brothers doe .
A happy husband and wife .
The family photo .
Rhonda (Shehunts)decided to fight back when I tried to congratulate her .
While this is all going on Dad stayed in his stand . He had a big buck come by . But its life was spared because of not having enough shooting lanes cleared .
We came home for more celebration toasts .
Thursday was so windy I think I almost got seasick .
Friday was butchering day we decided . Everyone chipped in doing the necessary tasks .
Saturday was nice and calm at first but by 8:00 the winds picked up again . Lucky for me I had a small buck come by and that ended our Controlled hunt for 2016 .
Unfortunately Dad and my nephew did not harvest anything . But they did see and have chances .
Anytime you can spend with family is always a success .
