Hogwild2004
Active Member
Did everything right for the first time in a very long time on Columbus Day 2021. Got my buck decoy and rapid deployment scent dispersal system set (ready to zipline down to my decoy) and got up in my tree (to include hoisting all my stuff up) before daybreak. Heard some movement behind me but didnt pay it any attention. Messed around with some camo netting in a duffle bag and ultimately decided to pack it back up. The head of deer #1 materialized out of the dark 12yds to my 7 o’clock but too dark to shoot. Then #2 and #3. At that point, I realized I didnt have my release on so I spent the next several minutes fishing my release out of my bag while keeping still and quiet. Ok, deer #1 is a yearling based on size and head shape. Deer #2 is a full grown doe based on long head. Both of them are fixated on my buck decoy 20 yds away but not spooking.
Deer 1 passes my likely shooting lane at 15yds and Deer 2 advances. Draw, adjust bow hand due to new sight, release. CRACK! Doe mule kicks and stumbles, then takes off down my new favorite deer trail. Duffle bag is still sitting on my lap. Both our hearts are racing for different reasons - mine, almost 7 years of heavy hunting have gone by since my last (doe) kill. Doubts enter my mind of tracking a wounded animal but the crack and mule kick is reassuring. Wait an hour, find the arrow now painted with arterial blood, and tracking begins. Good blood but not as much as I hoped for. Numerous body sized patches of disturbed earth. 100yds, deer down under a big oak, looking towards a meadow, scanning for threats. Pat her and thank God for blessing me with a successful hunt.
JX3
Hoyt Powermax
Peep Eliminator bow sight
Arrow: Victory Decimator 350s
B/H: 125gr QAD Exodus
Total weight: 485gr (includes B/H, added weights, and stainless footer from Ethics)
Hit: much farther forward than I hoped but nicked the elbow ball, lungs, and busted her femur on the far side before burying into the ground.
105lbs doe is a trophy in my book but looking forward to my buck!
Deer 1 passes my likely shooting lane at 15yds and Deer 2 advances. Draw, adjust bow hand due to new sight, release. CRACK! Doe mule kicks and stumbles, then takes off down my new favorite deer trail. Duffle bag is still sitting on my lap. Both our hearts are racing for different reasons - mine, almost 7 years of heavy hunting have gone by since my last (doe) kill. Doubts enter my mind of tracking a wounded animal but the crack and mule kick is reassuring. Wait an hour, find the arrow now painted with arterial blood, and tracking begins. Good blood but not as much as I hoped for. Numerous body sized patches of disturbed earth. 100yds, deer down under a big oak, looking towards a meadow, scanning for threats. Pat her and thank God for blessing me with a successful hunt.
JX3
Hoyt Powermax
Peep Eliminator bow sight
Arrow: Victory Decimator 350s
B/H: 125gr QAD Exodus
Total weight: 485gr (includes B/H, added weights, and stainless footer from Ethics)
Hit: much farther forward than I hoped but nicked the elbow ball, lungs, and busted her femur on the far side before burying into the ground.
105lbs doe is a trophy in my book but looking forward to my buck!