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Old Public Land Trophy

SG843

Active Member
Joined
Nov 18, 2016
Messages
155
Was able to take this trophy on 10/20.

Decided to head out despite the warmer weather and chances of rain. Work has been crazy and got an unexpected break, so got to get it while you can.

Checked the winds and came up with a game plan. Decided on a spot that I've had good luck and success in the past.

Spotted this 4 pointer a touch before 9am. He basically materialized, walked maybe 30-40yds, bedded down. Cool, I began to watch him thinking he will help me with spotting other deer moving through. Where he lays isn't supper thick so I'm able to study him. The more I look, the older he gets.

After a hour or so he gets up, moves back to where he came from earlier and just stood there. I watched him snooze on his feet for around 30min. Reminded me of a cow sleeping on his feet. Finally he decided to bed back down. During this time I had decided if he heads my way that I would give him a try.

Sometime after 11am he gets up again and moves another 30-40yds, beds down. What I noticed about this spot is that he looks to be killable. With the binoculars I could see a stalkable route, he had thick cover between us. With a perfect, steady blowing wind, it looked like this could possibly work out.

He's bedded 70yds from me, ranged a tree at 40yds. Plan is to get to that tree without spooking him.

Proceed to let the bow down and eased down the tree. No flagging or snorts so I take that as a good sign. Wind was steady and gusty so noise wasn't a major concern. Priority was not to snap a twig. Was able to line up cover between him and I and started towards the 40yd tree.

At tree, now what?

Stood looking at everything between him and I. Another 10yds looks very doable. Got nothing to lose and 20yds is much better than 30yds. Plus, no one's going to believe this anyway.........right?

So, I find myself 21yds from antler tips. Standing, debating on the next move. I decided that I really didn't want to stand there for possibly another hour. Looking around, I spotted plan B. Squatted down and picked up a good size stick. Figured that I would throw it into some water approximately 20yds to his RIGHT. Release attached and bow settled on my leg, I proceeded to give the stick a good chunk. While in flight, left hand gripping bow, release taught and ready. Plan is when he stands I'll draw, he will "slightly" spook and move to my LEFT to a nice opening.

Kaploosh!

He goes RIGHT!?? Why would he bolt toward the noise?

He quickly side steps 10yds and stops. And of course, behind some trash. Stands looking around for maybe 30 seconds. Nervous but not too bent out of shape, he starts slipping out. He's mistake offered me a perfect 20 yard slightly quartering shot. Every bow hunters dream.

Down within 60-70 yards.

This is surely the oldest deer I've taken. I can't help but wonder how many times this guy has watched myself and other hunters walk past. This public land is a high pressure area so he did well to survive. Feel like he would not have made it through the winter. Even though SC winters are fairly mild.

All trophies are not judged by antlers. Pretty proud of this one.

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Congrats! I like the stick toss. What county in SC?
 
Wow! Almost tooflis! Great stalk!
Are you in Louisiana?


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SG, I just was looking at the member map and looks like we are nearly neighbors. Cheers!
 
Congrats on the SC swamp buck! I've done a lot of spot and stalk hunting and have tried the "rock toss" or in your case stick toss before. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. He most likely heard the stick flying through the air and was able to pin point the general direction it came from. I've had that happen a few times.
 
Wow that is so cool!! Congrats!


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