Controlled hunt

[dano19]

I look forward to the Muzzleloader hunt each year in Elgin county.
Monday morning started off quiet for me, but the neighboring property surrendered three bucks in a short span. The guys who hunt it stay in contact via text messages so before 9 o'clock, three bucks were already taken. I definitely felt a little discouraged as I saw nothing Monday morning. Later that evening I did see a doe in the distance on the other side of the field.
Tuesday morning again was very quiet, didn't see anything. Decided to switch things up Tuesday evening and sit across the field in my treestand. Of course a doe came walking out where I was sitting early that day. Still haven't seen a buck.
Wednesday morning I was back in my original spot underneath the tree I took a big 11 point in 2023. Two does came out around 7am and I decided I would shoot if one came into range. Sure enough one did, I fired and she ran off. Thought the shot was good, however blood trail died off and after looking for 4 hours she was nowhere to be found. She ran far onto another property I don't have permission. I think the shot must have been a little high.
I looked again for her before my evening sit but no luck. Feeling a little gutted, I went back up into the tree stand for the evening sit. I quickly saw a small buck run behind me around 5pm but didn't even have time to get my gun up. Finally at 5:15 I saw a doe enter the field 200+ yards away and behind her was a big 8 point buck. My heart started pounding when I saw him through the binos. I did two grunts and he looked right over and started walking my way. I couldn't believe it. The angle he approached was over my shoulder so it wasn't an ideal shooting lane when he came. I raised my gun and aimed through a small shooting window between branches, about 60 yards away. I shot, watched him run off and right away I knew he didn't look injured. Found no blood. Flat out miss. C'MON.
Thursday morning was the worst wind direction yet but I tried to hug the eastern side of property. I had a coyote run out at 7am and I decided I would try a shot. He was walking fairly quick but took a shot. I missed of course.
Not even thirty seconds after attempting the shot at coyote, a buck ran out into the field and headed for a ravine 150yards in front of me. Feeling as if I had nothing to lose, I decided to reload and go after him. I got to the edge of ravine and just as it comes back over the hill, I could see the buck in the field. He only had 1/2 a rack, but decided he was mine. I grunted and he started heading my way. I had an old fence post to rest my gun on so I felt confident when he came within range. I shot and knew right away he was hit good. He ran 50 yards and was done. I shot right through the heart. HOLY what a whirlwind. Don't ever give up!

[G.S.]

Congrats for you Buck, Thanks for sharing, and I believe you already know that some home-work is needed.

[gbk]

Nice job congrats

[tom gobble]

Nice deer congrats

[Sam Menard]

Congratulations and thanks for sharing the lows and highs of your hunt.

[bellerivercrossbowhunter]

Nicely done.

Our group of 6 tagged out Wed Afternoon in 92B. No kill for me but that's the beauty of party hunting... lol

[sabmgb]

very nice deer. thanks for sharing.