What would you do?

[JDAWG]

Here is the story. I was out scouting a new farm today that has never been hunted before and I watch as 9 does come out into a field at about 5pm. I'm thinking ok I know where I'm using my doe tag, THEN a nice 8 or 9 point comes out into the mix so now I want to hunt this opening day. The problem is that all of the deer are entering the field right at the fence line that seperates the farm that I have permission to hunt on and one I don't have permission to hunt on. What do I do if I shoot this deer and he runs on the other farm? What would you do? What if they wont let me get this deer? Do I go deeper into the timber to intercept him? Sorry! I'm babbleing but this is the largest deer I've seen, so I'm excited.

[Tominator]

I'd explain the situation of recovering a deer (I wouldn't mention the buck) to the landowner of the place where I didn't have permission. If they grant permission, you're all set. If not, you have to come up with a different strategy and be very careful of your shot. I'd have to say the majority of the deer I've shot go back to where they came from when they get shot.

[GWSmith]

  Jdawg1268 said:

...What do I do if I shoot this deer and he runs on the other farm? What would you do? What if they wont let me get this deer? Do I go deeper into the timber to intercept him? Sorry! I'm babbleing but this is the largest deer I've seen, so I'm excited.

From DEC Website:

Q. May a hunter who has wounded game pursue it onto posted property?

A. Only if permission has been granted by the posting party.

If it's posted or not I'd ask permission and hopefully get written permission.

If they wont let me go get the deer alone....I'd call the DEC to see if they could help.

In the situation you described it would be best if you could get deeper in the woods and intercept/shoot him well before he has the chance to run off into no-mans land.

Sounds like you've got a good chance of doing that if he's getting to the field that early;)

[fly]

Ask the landowner of the farm you do have permission to hunt on about the neighbor. Is he approachable or not.

If it is posted and there might be a problem I'd ask the neighbor first before I shot the deer. If you shoot one and then ask and he says no, man what a loss. If you ask up front you will know to avoid the bordering area because that deer will likely (9/10 times) run to the neighbors cover once he's shot.

One other idea:

If you can get high (25 feet or more) you might be able to get that buck to walk right under you (or close enough) for a straight down spine shot. I did it twice last year with 2 does and they went a total of zero yards from the shot spot. Just remember to have the right set up to penetrate the spine and get the heart/lungs on the way down. If you don't get enough penetration you may have to send a fnishing arrow to the paralyzed deer or get down and finish it another way.

Good luck!

[JDAWG]

Tomorrow I will go talk to the other landowner and feel him out. The land is not posted so I might have a chance.