Persistence..Persistence. Buck Down in NJ (photos)

Well, this season has had it's up's and down's for me.

I had a knee surgery that all but ended my season, but, I after a shot of marcaine and a few hand fulls of pain killers, I was able to make it into the woods.

I was able to get into the woods a few times, and, almost had a shot on a few different bucks, but, I never had that 100% feeling, on the shot, so I elected to wait.

Well, 1 November comes and we know this buck has a doe locked down in the area of one of my stands.

I slip in for a morning hunt. As soon as I climb up, he comes in. My pack is half way off of my back and I'm STUCK. With circulation to my arm nearly ceased, I start to panic. Finally, he turns and moves, never having seen me.

He proceeds to run in circles(like, probably 7 miles of running before the sun comes up, I'm surprised he didnt die of exhaustion). He snort wheezed every time he stopped, followed by a grunt. He ran under me, in front of me, to my left, right and I was sure he was going to jump up and sit on my lap !

Day light breaks and I was able to pull the string on him a few different times, but, I knew he wasnt leaving that doe, so I waited for that ideal shot.

Finally, he gives me a top pin shot. I let one fly, and, OH-CRAP, hit him back. Thinking liver/spleen and maybe some guts, and after consulting with Gri22ly and some others, I decide to wait until mid afternoon.

We looked all afternoon, we looked all day yesterday, breaking only for food. We give up. I decide it's gonna be a buzzard found deer. Today, I go back to see if I can find buzzards or smell him rotting. I get downwind and work my way in, I catch scent for a second, and then nothing.

I zig, I zag, working a previously decided plan. Hours go by and I stop in some thick stuff between my where arrow was found, and a tree I had rested against, both previous days. I literally said to myself- it's over. Lost cause. He's gone....I happen to peer over to my left and I see a white belly, 10feet? away....OH MY GOD, I found him. I run over, throw both hands in the air and thank the Lord.

I took a knee and pay tribute to this beautiful deer, apologetic for not recovering him in time to use the meat, but, the coyotes appear to have been grateful !

Persistence...Persistence........I'm thankful for the time spent with friends and family while searching. Thankful for an outstanding hunt, action packed, to say the least and thankful for the ability to chase these magnificent animals. Every time I hunt, I respect them more.

Here he is.

 

nice buck, congrats!

 

Congrats on the buck. Sorry about the meat though

 

Congrats on a great buck. Yup, persistence is probably the best thing we can take with us to the woods each day.

That buck has nice mass. What state are you in?

 

Way to push forward and not give up, Congrats!

 

Thanks everyone.

New Jersey buck..

 

Hope that knee heals well. Knee surgeries are no fun. Bummer on the deer.

 

To bad about the meat, but congrats on finding your buck, It's a good one.
And give that leg time to heal!

 

Thanks everyone !!

Josh, thanks for the educated guidance this season, and, congrats to you on your amazing buck !!

I get 1 more archery tag in NJ during our winter bow season and I've got my eye on a few solid shooters, so, Josh, you can rest assured I'll be pestering you for information in a few weeks. Haha

 

Congrats nice buck, bummer on the meat, but again good job.

 

Great buck, way to keep at it

 

bice buck man

 

congrats and way to stick with it. It's always nice to see people not giving up on a deer they shot.

 

Thanks everyone !!

 

Congrats! Awesome story!

 

Congrats! Nice buck, what he lacks in tine length he makes up in mass. Sorry about the meat, but glad you stuck with it. hope the knee heals fully and you can go all out next season without worries.

 

Great looking buck DT!!! Congratulation's and yes persistence Is a great tool when tracking deer or anything.

 

Thanks everyone..

 

Way to stick it out! And congrats on a great buck

 

Way to stick with it! congrats!