Well it's been more years than I care to remember since I last killed a buck with my bow. Due to 60+ hour work weeks, a move halfway across the country, a pregnant wife and newborn son........I can literally count the number of times on one hand that I've been able to sit in a tree with my bow the past two years. In addition to all that I passed dozens of bucks in the few years prior holding out for a new personal best in NY and PA. I'm happy to say the wait was worth it and I managed to put a good buck down last night. Last night was one of those rare nights we all anticipate where everything happened exactly as planned. After acquiring access to this property in February last year, I had scouted a handful of spots that on paper looked like they could be mature buck bedding areas. Last winter this spot in particular had a single large bed that was worn through the 12"+ of snow just uphill from a distinct break-line between cedars and oak. I setup about 80 yards from where I found the bed last year where an old fence came perpendicular to the cedar/oak break-line. I was setup about 2/3's up the hill, and we got a rare E/SE wind last night and decided I was going to give this spot a go since we likely wouldn't get this perfect wind again. I got settled in the stand at about 3:30, and it was pretty quiet except for the ridiculous amount of squirrels that were gorging themselves on the acorns that were raining down on that oak flat. At about 5:15, I noticed movement from the top of the hill and realized it was a good buck, he was already about 35 yards out when I spotted him. I got the binocs on him and realized he was definitely a shooter, but by time I got situated he was in a bit of brush and I couldn't get a clean shot on him. He lingered in that spot for a few minutes and then actually bedded down about 50 yards out, all I could see was ears moving and the occasional flash of antler. Because he was uphill of me he was close to eye height, so I had to stand with the bow in hand for quite a awhile as I waited for him to hopefully get back up and come my way. After over an hour of waiting for him, at about 6:30 he got back up and started quartering towards me feeding on acorns. At just about 28 yards he stopped and turned broadside, I drew and put my 30 pin on him and sent one his way. I hit him just a bit high and he dropped in his tracks like someone hit a light switch on him, not even a twitch. I want to say a HUGE thank you to Justin and Todd for giving me an opportunity to hunt this lease this year. After 20+ years of hunting all over the northeastern part of the country, every property I've ever hunted pales in comparison to this place, it's a pretty special farm for sure. Without further ado, here are some pics of the buck I'm calling "Crazy Brows".......... Inside Spread - 19 L-R Sides MB - 21 4/8 - 22 5/8 G1 - 5 2/8 - 4 3/8 G2 - 7 2/8 - 7 5/8 G3 - 7 3/8 - 8 2/8 G4 - 1 3/8 - 3 6/8 H1 - 4 7/8 - 4 6/8 H2 - 4 3/8 - 4 2/8 H3 - 3 7/8 - 4 1/8 H4 - 3 2/8 - 3 4/8 Total - 141 3/8" Gross
Congrats on the great buck, awesome scout and setup. *edit* Plus I appreciate the fact that you don't have a bunch of dumbass hunting stickers all over the back of your truck.
