Tonight was perhaps the best hunt yet!

[Turkeygirl]

You don't need to tag something to have an amazing time.

Took the bow out today on a late season hunt....the late archery season closes on the 22nd. So I was out with my shotgun buck tag which becomes an either sex tag during late archery. anyway went in to a stand that is in some hemlocks about 100 yards in from a corn field. I was in there 10 minutes and started hearing deer crunching through the snow to my right. From around a bank walks out a small deer...tempted but held off. Then out pops 2 other small ones with a big doe behind....they all came about 5-10 yards from my tree. The doe and 2 of the littles ones stood about 10 minutes 5 yards from my tree, doe stomping forever, I think the wind swirled. Doe wasn't sure so she walked back up the bank. Well I hear more deer moving, I'm watching through the hemlocks for a rack...a deer comes out and stands there...looks like maybe a small spike. He goes back in as the doe and fawns wander around the bank and up a trail. Finally 2 bucks pop out on the bank to my right and come 10 yards down in front of me. 1st is a 1 horned spike...let him walk, then while not giant by any means, a 6 point comes following behind. I decide then I am going to take him, he'd be my first late season deer, not to mention late season buck! And I figure as we have that big shotgun doe still hanging, we'll give this guy to a local family. Well at 10 yards as he's walking I draw back and just as I get my pin to his shoulder, he snorts, turns and runs up and stops on the bank at 28 yards. Could have made the shot but decided he won and I just watched him walk up the trail the does and little ones took. The spike eventually ran up towards where he went, stopping right in front where my trail cam is, I smirked as whispered "You just got shot!" lol:yes:

So many shot opportunities tonight...sure wish I could have had my digital camera in hand to take a mini video or something. Ah well, God blessed me with a great evening in the woods...I think I saw about 7 deer total, another doe popped out with the other doe and little ones.

Should have another good wind tomorrow to hunt either that same stand or a different stand...I hope those bucks are back, or an even bigger one,lol. Though one of those littles ones would be just as good...just no antlers to stick under the tree as my gift to myself,lol:hammer1:

What an awsome evening, especially after such a not so great shotgun season.

[Illinois59]

Those are the moments that make us love the outdoors. :yes:

[ruttinbuc]

That is really what it is all about! Especially bow hunting!

[Shaun_300]

Sounds like a great time in the woods Ruth! Too bad you weren't able to get that buck, but like you said, that doesn't always matter!

[buckee]

Yes. That sounds like a good hunt for sure Ruth.

[Okbwhtr]

Good post

Hunting is not about the harvest. Its days like you described that make us get up early and see the sunrise and sunset and everthing in between.

DB

[bloodtrails]

Awesome! tha is why they call it huntin' otherwise they would just call it killin'!:cool2:

[fly]

Thanks for sharing.

In the late season I generally see a bunch and often get opportunities as you did or I don't see anything. I love the late season! I also like the middle season a lot. Come to think of it early season rocks too! Yea, pretty much the only season I don't like is the off season.

[Muleyman]

sounds like an awesome hunt Ruth!!

[Prairiepredator]

Some of my most memorable days of hunting were the ones where I never shot anything, but I just had so much fun with friends, doing some walking, and enjoying the wildlife and scenery.