I was pretty bummed after my target buck was killed on new years eve, by some guys leasing ground next to my grandpa's. Good for those guys, kind of a kick in my ass though. So I went to my place south of there, to just kill a doe....well, first deer out was one of the biggest deer I've seen on the hoof, double drops with a split brow on the left. Probably going to be close to 200 gross. He didn't get closer than 220 yards, so I left at 535. On my way out I bumped some does, who bumped him. What are the chances he is back out feeding there this week with the cold? I saw him Sunday.
Hanyak
Active Member
He will be back - he needs food to live - and you only bumped the does, not him. Play the wind and hunt every chance you can get! I would be taking vacation the rest of the season for a chance at a deer like that - especially this time of season - they become very patternable when they need food.
DarkArcher
Lung Buster
I believe he comes back to eat, good luck!
I'm going Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday...the wind is perfect saturday, but I'll be carefull getting in and out. I can't think about anything else, ever since Sunday.
gundog870
Premium Platinum Member
Deer scare themselves half the time and clear the field. Bumping deer during the late season getting out is not that big of a deal in my opinion, in the setting you described anyhow (exiting a field, after dark, and one and a doe running them out). It's when the whole herd knows why they are running is when its an issue; ie. pushing a timber, going in the bedding area leaving scent, etc. My guess is that he has been there every night this week, just maybe not before dark. If he didn't smell you, than I would believe that is an extremely killable deer.
I killed my buck at 225 last year, but the blood trail was non existent. The wind Sunday was a pretty stiff cross wind, so I didn't shoot, I also failed to mention that they were all headed my way until 4 coyotes came on the field. The deer went to the other side of a finger....and when I exited at dark, that's when the does ran.
gundog870
Premium Platinum Member
I too would be killing at 225.
I'd make sure that your gun is sighted in that far so that you can seal the deal on Thurs! I should add, I wouldn't move in too close to where they are entering the field. Definitely don't want to bump any as they enter.
chipterp
PMA Member
supserdave
PMA Member
I think waiting til Wednesday those deer will have forgot about you bumping them. Like was stated, double check zero on the muzzy and get after him, good luck!
Daver
PMA Member
This^^ If he got carried away with the rest of the fleeing herd and didn't see/smell the danger himself...IMO, he will be back soon. Even if not, given the time delay from Sunday until now AND the sudden, brutally cold weather...I think he makes another appearance.
Central Iowa
Life Member
I agree with both these guys go kill him. The important thing is to be getting into your set up undetected and of course with the wind in your favor. Sounds like a great buck good luck!
StickersNKickers
Camo Up!
Why? It's just a possible 200" double drop with a split. Now if it had double splits, I could see not thinking about anything else.
Ha ha. Seriously, I'd be a little on edge wanting to get back out there. Hope you get another chance to take him and we get harvest pics. Hunt it smart. And I know where I'd be doing some major shed hunting if I didn't get him.
Hope to see a kill pic of an Iowa Giant. Best of Luck!