Here's the story of my first deer. It was Friday the 18th. I was sitting in a ladder stand facing south southwest, right into the wind and getting a touch cold because of it. I hadn't seen anything yet. At around 8:00AM, a shot rings out. My friend comes over the radio and says he shot a doe. A few minutes later he comes on again stating he was beginning to gut her. I almost got down and went over to him so I could see how it was all done. I decided to stay, knowing it was still early and there would be other opportunities to learn. About twenty minutes later I looked to the east and low and behold there were two deer. Holy crap it's a buck, I thought. I reached for my shotgun that was laying across the shooting rail. I got about halfway across my body when he looked up at me. I looked away as to not make eye contact. He turned away and took a step that put him perfectly broadside and his head behind a tree. I knew from a previous trip that he was at 30 yards. I pulled the gun up and put the crosshairs just behind his shoulder. I squeezed off the shot. I don't remember hearing or feeling the shot. But he took off like a rocket. My heart sank, how did I miss? I radio'ed everyone that I had shot, but I think I missed. My buddy's dad came on and asked if I had shot a buck. Well I shot AT a deer I said. My buddy said he was almost done and he'd come over and help track. At this point I'm shaking and can barely rack the action to get the remaining shells out to lower the gun to the ground. I start looking around and find a little blood on the lane. My buddy showed up and we started off up the hill to follow him. We found him 90 yards from where I shot him. Took a couple pictures and started to get to work gutting him. While gutting we found the heart, with a 1" hole straight through it. This buck ran 90 yards without a beating heart, I was amazed. More pictures and into the truck he goes. He weighed 140lbs dressed. We think 3.5 years old.
Disclaimer: Blaze orange was worn by all parties and simply removed for pictures.
Anyone care to guess score, he measured 20.5" between the antlers.
Disclaimer: Blaze orange was worn by all parties and simply removed for pictures.
Anyone care to guess score, he measured 20.5" between the antlers.
