sureshot
The Hunt Never Ends....
I shot this Doe at approximately 4:00 p.m. on the evening of December 26th, 2004. I just received a new climbing stand for Christmas (Summit Viper IV) and I decided to try it out. I called two of my hunting buddies to see if they wanted to join me on a late season bowhunt. After meeting me at my home, we headed to one of my favorite hunting spots. I had a tree-stand location in mind which I discovered while trailing a large buck that I had shot in 03'. I positioned my Viper IV next to where a deep ditch started. This natural obstacle created a funnel that deer moved through on the way to feeding areas. 20 minutes after positoning my climbing stand, I glanced up after hearing some noise off to my right. I noticed two does walking my direction. The funnel plan worked better then I had expected; I concluded my bow-season with a perfect 10 yard double-lung shot on the larger of the two does. The doe ran approximately sixty yards up the ridge before crashing onto the forest floor. After climbing down the tree I collected my gear and blood covered arrow. Shortly there after I joined Blake and Geoff to recover my doe. We walked up to the doe and to my surprise Blake found a fresh shed antler. Believe it or not the doe expired within a few feet of the antler that appeared to be from a 150 class buck. This antler was definately a fresh drop even though we were still in the month of December. Although I have encountered and videotaped many monster whitetails this season, they never presented me with a clean shot. All and all the doe was a great way to end my 04-05 bow season. The great thing is most of the monsters I have videotaped will be there come October 1st, 05 (not to mention me right along w/ them). I'd like to end this with a question; "Has anyone found any shed antlers as early as the one that I described above?"
Good Luck in 05!
-Sureshot1
