Sad news from my deer camp

[jeff vogel]

This morning I learned that the buck that I have been chasing for the last three years was found dead by a neighboring farmer. This information has asboultly floored me, taken the wind right out my sails. I had no ambition whatsoever to hunt today. In fact I stayed around the house and did fall cleanup all day. The story in a nutshell, I first found his shed three years ago, my wife made a bad shot on him with a muzzleloader last year, which turned half of his rack non-typical this year. I have hundreds of hours hunting, scouting, and looking for his sheds the past three years. I considered this deer "my deer" which looking back now, I think is, and was wrong of me. I was totaly obsessed with this deer. Thinking that I was going to be the one that either shoots him or finds his sheds this year. Am I , or was I just crazy, being this obsessed with a single deer. Has anyone else been to this point? I have not gone and looked at the rack yet, deep down I truly want to. And if or when if do, would it be wrong of me to ask the farmer what his plans are for it? I just hate to see this thing end up laying in the corner of his barn, collecting dust, fly sh*t and having the mice chew on it. To me it's three hard years of chasing a great animal, to him it's probally just another deer rack. Or maybe that's the way I should look at it. . . just another deer rack. I need your help and opinions on this one guys. Thanks.

 

[iowabruce]

Do what your gut tells you to do....I'd sure ask the guy....all he can say is no, and you will be kicking yourself if you don't.

 

[BJohnson]

I think we all battle different scenarios where this sport can become "less recreational" and more like "work". Whether it is a quest for a certain buck, which I consider the ultimate harvest goal that I am not yet prepared to tackle, or a P&Y caliber buck, we all can become guilty of defining of enjoyment too much by those definitions of success or failure.

This afternoon I missed my first legitimate shot opportunity on a 130-135 class buck at 25 yards. I have concluded that I sliced him right across the back I am convinced. At first I was very mad about not putting the buck down at such a distance. However, after I shot my practice arrow that I always keep in my quiver from the same spot, with the same pin, and was DEAD ON, I realized what a true challenge this animal can be. I am convinced the buck's instincts (to squat at the sound of the shot) were superior to the equipment and archery skills I presented to him. In retrospect, I will probably value future harvests more after this encounter than ever before.


Although I admire your goals for taking this buck, I would encourage you to continually re-evaluate why you enjoy the sport of hunting and I hope you continue to do so.

Brent

 

[CamoMan]

ShdHuntr, I don't think it's wrong to feel bummed when your 'target' deer is gone. However, remember that deer hunting isn't life, and not getting a particular deer doesn't need to change anything else in your life. Hunting is a passion for me - and my wife has to remind me to provide some balance. My suggestion is to grieve the situation for a short period, remember why you hunt, and then get back out there. You wouldn't quit hunting if you had killed that buck. Find another buck or two, and start after them. Have fun . . .

 

[kansasbowhunter]

Hang in there MD.... I would go visit the farmer and explain to him your quest for that animal... I would also ask him about ways to obtain it from him.... It never hurts to ask!!!!

Good luck and keep us posted

Mark....

 

[1arrow]

You have to at least ask to put some closure on this. I also agree you have every right to grieve but get back out and get another deer. Might help more than you think.