Last year, had a hanging stand 25ft up in a big burr oak. Positioned between 2 foodplots surrounded by bedding, it overlooks a mock scrape to the west and a pinch point we call the “minipond crossing” to the south. Last year, I missed a chance at a Droptine bruiser b/c the stand was positioned so that I had to stand up and shoot to my weak side when he spooked. This year, B/f season, I repositioned the stand for better shot and cut a bigger shooting lane.
Nov 24 showed a SW wind shifting to NNW after lunch— the perfect wind for this stand. Entry into this stand is a bit tricky, and I bumped 2 deer coming in. Got set up by 2:00. At 4:00, saw 2 doe and what looked like a smaller buck cut down a draw 80 yrds away and into a foodplot out of sight.
Half hour later, heard deer approaching from my right coming out of the foodplot. 2 doe crossed on the minipond crossing. Expecting to see a smaller buck, I wasn’t prepared to put eyes on a big buck with massive neck. Then I recognized the antlers as our #1 target this year. Quick draw, grunt and pass-through shot at 38yrds. He ran off and I heard a crash.
Despite all the commotion, the does had not spooked. I reached down and pulled another arrow from my quiver that was setting beneath my seat. They sauntered by the mock scrape to my left, and I shot the larger doe at 18 yrds. She walked 5 steps and stopped. 30 seconds later, she tipped over. Have never had that happen before.
After field dressing the doe, my dad came in and we started trailing the buck. Blood trail petered out after 30 yrds. Called in Country, a buddy who helped me place the stand the previous year. After not finding any more blood, we walked the edge of the foodplot, shining a bright coo n light into the timber. Spotted him about 15yrds into the woods. He had traveled about 90 yrds after impact.
Blessed to have dad and Country be a part of the largest buck I’ve taken on our new farm.
Video:
Photo creds to Country
Caught on camera seconds before the shot.
First time we got him on camera during the season.
I think this is his shed from last year.
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