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Post by Sasquatch on Dec 2, 2021 12:10:37 GMT -5
About two weeks ago the wind was wrong for the treestands so I took my chair and set up in front of a tree on the downwind side of a ridgetop. About a half-hour before sunset I see antlers coming up the ridge. Not sure about points but probably 18-20" spread. He's coming steadily. I carefully braced against the tree. Got one last look at the rack and at around 70 yards it vanished. I thought he might be going downwind-- as I was calling-- but nothing went down the side of the ridge, which I could see. No movement, no noise. About dark A deer spooked near there. I think he bedded down! I thought he had to still be there. A day or two after thanksgiving I was on the same ridge, just further down, perched at the point where the ridge began it's 300 yard decent into the abyss. After sunset, I saw what might have been weeds waving. I squinted and saw the dark outline of a body. The weeds were antlers; a nice deer was whacking a branch with his antlers. He was facing on with just his face showing. Light was fading. He turned broadside for maybe 3 seconds at 60 yards. I aimed. I considered all the branches and tiny trees in that direction, most of which I could no longer see. I considered the bottomless pit and the risk of an iffy shot. I declined. I'll never know if I made the right choice.
It's been a weird season. Four large bucks seen from potential killing distance. One small one. Only a handful of does seen, most out of range.
I think I might dust off the Mathews and hide on that hill somewhere tonight. Never give up!
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Post by MuzzleLoader on Dec 2, 2021 12:16:34 GMT -5
If the shot isn’t right. Never regret it. Better than being sick to your stomach knowing you wounded a deer.
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Post by onebentarrow on Dec 2, 2021 13:00:18 GMT -5
About two weeks ago the wind was wrong for the treestands so I took my chair and set up in front of a tree on the downwind side of a ridgetop. About a half-hour before sunset I see antlers coming up the ridge. Not sure about points but probably 18-20" spread. He's coming steadily. I carefully braced against the tree. Got one last look at the rack and at around 70 yards it vanished. I thought he might be going downwind-- as I was calling-- but nothing went down the side of the ridge, which I could see. No movement, no noise. About dark A deer spooked near there. I think he bedded down! I thought he had to still be there. A day or two after thanksgiving I was on the same ridge, just further down, perched at the point where the ridge began it's 300 yard decent into the abyss. After sunset, I saw what might have been weeds waving. I squinted and saw the dark outline of a body. The weeds were antlers; a nice deer was whacking a branch with his antlers. He was facing on with just his face showing. Light was fading. He turned broadside for maybe 3 seconds at 60 yards. I aimed. I considered all the branches and tiny trees in that direction, most of which I could no longer see. I considered the bottomless pit and the risk of an iffy shot. I declined. I'll never know if I made the right choice. It's been a weird season. Four large bucks seen from potential killing distance. One small one. Only a handful of does seen, most out of range. I think I might dust off the Mathews and hide on that hill somewhere tonight. Never give up! Sometimes we do not like the outcome from doing what was right or ethical. Do not second guess yourself. You made the right decision. 25 + yrs ago i let what for that time a big buck walk because all i had was a texas heart shot. I can still see that deer walking away thru the brush but i have NO REGRETS. You will probably see that deer in your mind for years but will end up having no regrets for not taking the shot. I can see every shot i ever took at a deer i lost and at the time i thought they were good clean ethical shots but some thing went wrong and i regret every one. Do not second guess your self. You did good! Onebentarrow |
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Post by deadeer on Dec 2, 2021 14:15:37 GMT -5
Sneaky rascals they are!
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Post by treetop on Dec 2, 2021 17:37:09 GMT -5
It’s a lot easier to regret a shot you didn’t take than to regret a shot you know you should of not taken then add a deer. you can’t find on top of that
Always pass if you have any second thoughts at all
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Post by Mack Apiary Bees on Dec 2, 2021 19:40:36 GMT -5
I had a 6 pointer bed down and hang out all day in my back yard today. At times 10 feet from the house. Just teasing me.
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Post by Sasquatch on Dec 3, 2021 14:31:16 GMT -5
Moved further down the ridge. Heard several but only glimpsed one. Think I'll edge a little closer tonight.
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