Typical 8 point (Update)

Wind direction was perfect for our stand (S/SE).   As I wrote above, we heard grunting some distance away (I didn't hear much, but glad son did!).  Shortly after a couple of low grunts on the call and a small doe appeared in front of us, followed by a small 6 point.   Doe was chowing down on acorns, little buck was attentive to her.  A few minutes later the 8 point appeared at about 50 yards.  He was studying them and looking about.  He turned and retraced his steps.  Man, I thought,  that it was over. 

Couple minutes later, he reappeared in same spot and looked up at us. This stand has been up for 4 years, so he was used to it.  He put his nose to the ground and walked to our left behind some greenery and a tree.  That gave son time to raise the Xbow.  Buck walked into a narrow clearing opposite us at our 11 and gave us another look for a second or two, then started scouring the woods behind us.  As I said, wind was perfect for us!  I'm assuming he was looking for the "phantom buck" he had heard grunting.  As he slowly walked across the opening at 30 yards and got to our 10  ...zing went the bolt. Duke Jr. didn't think he had time to make him stop, so he put the cross-hairs  at his shoulder and hit him in the vitals.  It reared up like a horse on its back legs and took off like a you know what!  Sprinted past and behind us, stopped and collapsed at 40-50 yards.  K.O., match over at 20 minutes after shooting time.   

We could clearly see it on the ground, dirt napping.  After 10 minutes we hoped to get another shot at either the doe or small buck.  Did some rattling and grunting.  Suddenly the doe bolted into the clearing and took off to our left, with the little buck in hot pursuit.   I had put out a hen decoy before we climbed into the stand.  Did some calling on and off for 15 minutes -no reply or sighting. 

After a total of 35 minutes, we claimed our prize.  I back tracked the buck's path to the clearing and saw the widest and heaviest blood trail I've ever seen!  It was amazing -as if someone had taken a sprayer and walked through the woods.  Hit an artery and was dead in a minute or two.  I was tempted to take pics of the 18-20 inch blood trail, but thought that would be disrespectful.  As we were dressing it, we talked about the clean, quick kill on this big boy.   Something every ethical hunter wants. 

Called the land owner and he came with his Kubota 4-wheeler with a bed.  He was as happy as we were!   Drove about half mile to the car and laid it on the ground for the pic.  All the way, we talked about the "good old days" of dragging a deer for several torturous hours.  Would like to thank all landowners who allow hunters the privilege of using their land!  Landowner's neighbor brought his 8 year old son to touch the antlers and hide.  The boy was interested in the eyes and teeth.  Nice finish!

Took it right away to processor (temp low 40s), and picked up the meat the next day.  This guy is fast and efficient.  Dressed at 165 lbs -93 lbs of meat all wrapped and frozen. 

A 10 year old Horton Xbow, 175lbs.   Bolt passed through.  Rage mechanical broadhead.  We've had wonderful luck with the Rage.

Thanks be to God!

Thanks, George and Charlie. Sure was fun being out with my son. Later on he said, "Nothing better than deer hunting with my dad."

Thanks, WC. Good to get out on a beautiful day!

What a great day. Congratulations.

Congratulations!!