Had a awesome day yesterday. I got off work 7am and went home to load up the truck. Once I was all packed hit the road and was heading north. I got home and said hey to my family quick grab the stand. It was about noon and my buddy grant said he needed some help trimming lanes. So get to his place and we have lunch quick and head to his spot to trim. After that I ask if he could help me setup my stand at the new property I was able to hunt this year. Having only been around the edge of the property and looking at aerial views I had a general idea of where I wanted to sit. We get back to the area and the corn is still standing and there is a long open area between the timber which looks like a great spot. Then a single tree line and on the other side of that is a small gap before the the corn. We found a tree that would give me access to see 3 different points where deer might come from. Only problem is it is thick with cover. It's about 2 now so we decided to start trimming and get to work putting the stand up. It's a hassle getting around all the branches. But I finally get up and start looking for shooting lanes. A lot more trimming later and I'm good to go. I still have a ton of cover. So we finish and I'm settled in by 3. It only takes about 45 minutes before a nice Tom walks out. About half hour later 2 young does walk out or my left from the timber about 80 yards away. Nothing for about an hour when a little 4 point buck follows the same path as the does. At this point I'm thinking I set up wrong and started thinking about tomorrows hunt and where to move. Not 15 minutes later I hear and see movement in the corn. I can't make out what it is but it's staying put. Out of the corner of my eye i catch movement coming on the path around the curve to my right. I then see antlers. I get one good look at them and I knew I wanted to shoot this deer. So this buck walks right to were my buddy and I were standing 2.5 hours before hand and starts sniffing the grass for a few minutes. Then he comes straight to my tree and is under me for a couple more minutes. I'm just thinking don't go behind me I don't have shot back there. He turns around and goes back to his initial sniffing spot and get a good whiff and jumps to the right some back onto the path I stop him broadside at about 7 yards and placed the pin on him and let it fly. I got a pass through and I saw him run into the timber to my left but couldn't hear anything due to the wind. At that point I tried to process what just happened. And I realized I just my first buck! So I sent out the texts. I couldn't stop shaking to save my life. Once I calmed down I got down looked at the arrow and went to my truck. Another good buddy Trevor Called me and said he was making the 1.5 hour trip down to help out and take pictures. I shot buck around 6 and we stared tracking around 8 when all my friends got there. Trevor brought his dog Rhett to get some practice tracking deer. Blood was minimal for the first 50ish yards once we had a decent amount Rhett was able to pick up a good scent and he was on it from there. He stayed on it and we came up on a dead buck less than a 100 yards away! My first buck was officially down and I was jacked! The shot was right up the leg and took out the lungs. It destroyed the off shoulder too. Trevor was able to do what he does best and take awesome pictures to remember the day. The pictures turned out great. I can't thank these guys enough. It only took 5 season to get my first buck. 4 years ago to the day I shot my very first deer. So opening day has been good to me. This is deer is also for my Grandpa who passed away 2 years ago this past September. After I was settled in I said a little prayer and talked to my grandpa while up there. I was joking around and said if he helps me out tonight I'll take him a beer and a snack stick. Well wouldn't you know I owe that man a beer now. Here are some pics from last night. It was a great day and I'm still on cloud 9. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I LOVE IT!!!! Huge congrats Oly!! I'm really happy for you. Great First buck! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Congrats on your first! I really enjoy "hero photos" when the hunter is smiling and shows their appreciation of the events leading to a killing shot and recovery. Very nice pix as well as story.
Way to go!! Congrats on a great first buck!! Make sure you take two beers you can't let grandpa drink alone! LoL! I am sure he would be proud!
