I was in the stand by 5:15pm with just over two hours of decent light left. Though I took a fat buck on Saturday, there are a few targets I'd much rather prefer and at least one more antlerless tag I have to fill to free up the third buck tag in this earn-a-buck county. The landowner was mowing until almost 6:30pm and I thought that may work in my favor. But apparently the deer didn't care for all of the noise and I didn't see anything until about fifteen minutes after he stopped. Eventually a small deer stepped out behind me in bow range. At first glance, I thought it may be the small 4" spike that is still velvet covered that I have running around. I looked at it a few times and ranged it at 28 yards a couple times. After numerous looks, I finally realized it wasn't a spike just as it got behind some limbs where I didn't have a shot. I got into position with a good rest on my shooting rail with my Micro 340 and ranged the next possible spot the deer would provide a shot opportunity. I have a trail cam on a tree overlooking fallen acorns at 41 yards. The deer was coming right past it. Once the deer stepped into a clear lane at 42 yards, I put the 40 yard point behind the shoulder and squeezed off the shot. The trajectory was spot on, though the Tactacam wasn't.
Oh well, it wasn't a monster. That makes two in a row not on camera.After the shot, the deer took off and I heard it crash just as it got out of site which was about 75 yards. I immediately climbed down and began the recovery as I had an additional trial camera I need to repoint. Darn bear.
The lumenok lit the way perfectly and for once it seems that it landed softly enough that I get to reuse a broadhead and arrow. The shot was only a few yards from the fireworks from a couple weeks ago.Before I even reached the arrow, I saw blood on the ground by my trail cam. I know it didn't capture the action as it was pointed skyward.
I started walking the direction of travel and could see blood although light was fading quickly. I can't say for sure if the Leupold Thermal Tracker is making me a better hunter, or a more lazy one. 
Because before I even head in the direction of travel I scan that way for heat. Although I was following blood, it's nice to get confirmation of what you can't see yet. It certainly makes me a more efficient hunter.It ended up being a button buck with very small buttons. He fits the size that my wife loves to have in the freezer.
The total distance travelled was about 50 yards. I was using a Truglo Titanium-X 4-blade with Black Eagle Zombies with brass inserts. The shot placement was all I could have hoped, taking off the top of the heart.
It's time to relax some and maybe smell the roses while I wait for the bigger bucks to start moving. In the mean time, I've got bear issues to deal with.
!
now tell us about that bear story lol
I have bears coming through my hunting property about once a month which is why I can't use a feeder anymore or put good plie of corn down. 
