Michigan Hunt Day 4- Nov. 6, 2004

Anello · Nov-11-2004, 02:37 PM

So sleeping in was not an option again this day as we were up at 5:00am gearing up like a madmen in anticipation of the morning’s hunt. We had heard some scuttlebutt about a few bucks seen the night before from the neighbors stand. Apparently there had been a huge(well over 200lb body) rutted out 8-pointer stomping around the adjacent fields looking for some loving. The news had spread quickly and there were quite a few lights to be seen from Grady’s place in the State land.

Grady had been seeing both bucks and does on the path out to the stands directly behind his house in the past few weeks and had warned me on previous days to be ready as soon as we get out the door. I knocked an a arrow as we left the house just before shooting light at 6:15 am.

We both thought that taking a different approach to the stand might be a better way to potentially nail that buck should he be bedding back in that same area. When we left the house we started walking and immediately heard something coming through the brush towards the trail that we were walking on. The familiar rhythmic thuds began.

About 40 yards in front of us a beautiful doe stepped into the path between us and the stand. She turned her head towards us and froze. I was in front of grady with an arrow knocked so I began to raise the bow very slowly as Grady whispered “take her”. Once I raised the bow I slowly drew and put the 35 yard pin just behind the shoulder as it was my best guestimate of the yardage. Just as I slid my finger around the release trigger she took a step sideways towards me. At the same time I punched the trigger sending an arrow at the spot that was previously her shoulder. We both let out a collective sigh as it seemed to be an eternity before we heard the telltale “Thud”.

We both stood as still as possible as the doe simply fell down backwards in a heap. I readied another arrow just in case it was planning on an exit like the doe from yesterday. We looked at eachother as if to say “what the fuck?”. Did I just drop a doe where it stood with a bow?

It seemed as if the doe was neck shot quartering towards me. That being true we thought that there was a good chance that I hit the spine, which would explain why the doe hit the ground immediately and hadn’t been able to get to her feet. She struggled on the ground violently thrashing her legs in a futile attempt to escape. I looked at Grady again as if to say “is this normal?”. She was mortally wounded and would most likely not be able to move, however, I couldn’t watch her die like that. I set my bow down and pulled my knife from the sheath.

Anello- looking back at Grady-“I’m gonna knife her”.
Grady- without hesitation- “behind the shoulder. Hit her heart.”
Anello- “ok, it’s on”.

Just then I charged toward the doe jumping over her thrashing legs, spun and violently thrust my knife behind her shoulder. She struggled again and I reared back and sunk one more shot to the same area. Just after impact she would struggle no more. I had filled my 2nd tag.

The drag home was maybe 150 yards on a clear cut path. Attached are some pictures from that morning.

There was to be no more sightings from the stands that day as the hunting pressure in the state land was intense and the deer were not moving. I would have one more day to find my buck.

DDawg · Nov-11-2004, 05:33 PM

Right on Rambo!
I've done just that scenario.......... what a rush!
Dave

Anello · Nov-12-2004, 11:29 AM

whereabouts?

DDawg · Nov-12-2004, 05:02 PM

A-25 Lake Sonoma.
If you want a killer Ca. archery hunt, put in for it.
I drew it twice, & killed a buck both times.
Dave

P.S. I meant I had jumped on the deer with a knife........ not shot it in my buddies back yard

ALUMINATOR · Nov-12-2004, 07:36 PM

I grew up in Michigan shooting lots of those whitetail. I still go back every Oct for bow hunting. Have lots of cool stories!!! I will see if I can find ya a link to my last one. LOTS of blood and guts. My friend tries to clean it with stone tools!!

Try this http://community.webshots.com/album/54001887QUMhfy

Keep your head out of the way when you are bow hunting!!
http://community.webshots.com/album/65001946yrxMch

**Ali** · Nov-12-2004, 10:21 PM

Sweet pics dennis.

Who the hell is that unlucky sucker?

You forgot to tell us THAT story...

**Surfdoc** · Nov-12-2004, 10:30 PM

Damn Dennis... cool chit... Man I'd love to see the Xrays on that Poor Bastard!

But fuckit.. take 2 tylenol and shake it off...

ALUMINATOR · Nov-13-2004, 05:34 AM

Two brothers hunting in the same blind. The one in front stuck his head out to see the deer just as the one in back let it fly. Good thing the arrow didn't get up to speed!!! The rifle season starts Monday and I am already missing being there.

YO HO ONO · Nov-13-2004, 09:50 AM

[Keep your head out of the way when you are bow hunting!!
http://community.webshots.com/album/65001946yrxMch[/quote]
Dennis did you guys re-install "the plug" after after you dug the tip out
of it? Also: does that fucker have a "Tic" now? you know sort of an uncontrollable twitch..........................

Fresh One · Nov-15-2004, 11:14 AM

Anello,

You are a psycho. I love that story. Better than letting her suffer.

You fullfilled my expectation of a rambo like ending.

Anello · Nov-15-2004, 11:57 AM

I knew you would like that one Brent. I had to. I couldn't watch that anymore.

Dexloy · Nov-15-2004, 12:29 PM

Danm man why did you shoot that dog!