Gut Pile

Way to go bud! I needed to hear a success story with the ol' stick & string. Hopin to put a deer to the dirt with a bow myself. Congrats!

A Stink Pig is gonna hit the dirt in 37A this year! Got first oinker last year and what a blast! Hunted solo in bad, bad weather but worked hard and it paid off! Good luck to everyone!

So, I built my first ground blind................You think 8 foots deep enough? Ha Ha! Stack'em High! Bucks Beware............I'm huntin Ninja style! Stick & String Yo! You been warned

Oh those painful misses. I killed my first coues buck last year and what a thrill!! The gray ghost in the back of my truck! This year I was amped. The first few days I saw a spike and lots of does, but I new the bucks were in there. Dad had to get back to work so we drove back to the valley where I grabbed my rig and turned and burned back to my unit. After driving and setting up camp I fell asleep without settin the ol' alarm. Woke up an hour and 1/2 late and scrambled to get whereI needed to be. As I was walkin in to my spot I was still beating myself up for wakin up late. I happened to look up to see a deer staring right at me from 80ish yards. I shouldered my rifle and took a look. When my scope found the deer my heart just about stopped. I didn't even bother judging or counting points, I just saw two dagger like eye guards and junk spread out past his ears. Then It was like I was in a trance. I just lowered my sights to the vitals and pulled the trigger. That monster did a bout face and kicked the after burners on. I Missed the buck but slaughtered the oak tree behind him. Checked for blood and follwed his direction for quite a while and determined I had missed him for sure. I don't think I ever felt that sick, but thats the way it goes. To be honest, I feel priveledged just to have seen such a beast and I guess that's why I hunt and will continue to hunt. I consider that buck my White Whale. White Whale if you're reading this, get your estate in order......I just got a new bow!!!!

Spooky scenario.That is one tough pickle to be in. It makes me sick that we need to be concerned about this kinda stuff, but that's the way it is. Personally, I would have taken the shot. It sounds foolhardy but hunting is my therapy and passion. I accept the risk. I'm a young buck so I guess I'm a little more inclined to take some risks. This is my answer sitting at a computer though, I'm sure it's a bit different when you're the one behind the rifle. Much respect to all of you.

Well, This year I missed a monster with the smoke stick so I'm gonna try it with the bow. I haven't bow hunted in 5 years or so (Got a plate in my shoulder, I'm 1/2 robot but recovered now) and was wandering if a ground blind is the way to go or still hunting. I'm primarily a still hunter but this is my first time after the ghost with a bow. How do you hunt the rut?

You guys are so great. I appreciate all the tips and advice. I'll try still hunting and post up on some funnels I think. I hope we get a heavy rut in season. As long as I'm seeing and chasin' them, I'm a happy hunter...... but I got my fingers crossed for that beast that got away. My White Whale

Big Cat Yo! I guess 176lbs.