If you’re reading this article, you’re most likely a member of at least one hunting forum, or “community” as we call it at BayouBucks.com. I have been a member of numerous forums based in Louisiana for several years. Why do I come to these places? I could sit here all day and never run out of stories about of the positive experiences I’ve had being a member of these communities. The best way I know how to express this is to copy a thread that was on a forum a couple of years ago. I know it’s long, but even after editing out over four pages of posts, I find the remaining posts important enough to show the highs and the lows I went through in the week this thread was active.
I Had My Chance
10/21/07…Professor T
I hunted the 3 Trees Stand this evening. It was uneventful until just before dark. I saw 2 deer coming onto the plot from the Ridge Runner Trail. The first looked to be a pretty good size and when it turned, I could see antlers. I didn’t pay much attention to the second at this time. The first one came within about 30 yards, and then the second one joined it. I had a better look at it then. It was big….no BIG! I could see heavy antlers with a decent spread. The G2′s and G3′s looked tall also—about 8″. He had good mass and he was pushing 200 lbs.
The smaller one was a 7 or 8 point with a good spread. He looked like something for the wall. But the big one may have been P&Y. I had a shot at the smaller one, but I passed because the big one was moving closer. Well, finally he was 20 yards out, broadside, and his head was down feeding. I drew and put the pin on him. I couldn’t pick my spot anymore. The light had faded to where it wasn’t ethical to shoot. Believe me: I thought about it. HARD!!! I was wanting to shoot really bad. I put the bow back on the hanger and watched the show for another 20 minutes.
Both bucks and another deer fed on the plot but the other kept its distance. The big buck ran it off once and it came right back. Then, they all fed together. Next, both bucks ran to the west side of the plot fast and the big one stopped right on the edge and bowed up, followed by a snort-wheeze. He paced back and forth at the edge of the cutover and then plowed right into it full force going after something. The other buck was right in the same area but I lost track of him and the third deer entered near my stand and went north. By a lot of people’s standards it would have been a bummer of a hunt, but I thought it was great. I could have never imagined letting a P&Y walk!
My Cuddeback TC took 3 pictures while they were on the plot, but none of the bucks were close. I believe that the big one was in the background for one of the pictures. I can’t wait to pull them tomorrow to see exactly what he looks like. It was pretty dark and my eye sight is not the best. BUT I CAN TELL…BIG!!!! Man it was a great day!
10/21/07…PCHunter
I have been waiting on your report. I knew it was going to be good. I just hope to have a hunt like that. So how was the old heartbeat and legs? Get him tomorrow. I hope you can go when the cool weather comes mid-week. Good luck DonT.
10/22/07…HankJr
DonT, you did right by passing on a questionable shot. If you didn’t spook those bucks, they will be back to give you another chance. Good luck and you will be posting a pic soon.
10/22/07…Basinboy
It’s just a matter of time! That was a great hunt in my book!
10/22/07…Rambow
That was a great story Don. Don’t worry; you’ll get another chance.
