Shot a doe yesterday

[deadeye]

My son and I yesterday went our deer hunting.  He used a bow, I opted for the muzzle loader.  We arrived a little late and headed out to our selected stands just after sunrise.  My path took me past a neighbors stand and I waved to the hunter in it  (I know it was prime time but I really didn't expect someone to be there). Also maybe it wouldn't be a problem if his stand wasn't 5 feet from the line.  I waved and continued on.  After crossing a small swamp about 150 yards down the trail, I spotted one, two, three four, wow a whole herd of deer.  They were feeding in the brush around 50-60 yards away.  Being caught off guard, I wanted to get behind a tree about 5 yards away.  My third step in the crunchy snow got the attention of one deer but she didn't look very long before going back to feeding.  My fourth step (I had to move again because I was standing in a position where I couldn't shoot if I wanted to)  One doe really got interested in the "stump in the path".  There was enough brush between us that she didn't have a clear view (neither did I) but for quite a while she did the head bob, look away and then quickly look back, take a step and poke he head around a tree to see if I moved.  After a while she made a few steps towards me and when she got behind a tree, I got my gun up and the safe off.  Now I noticed that I had a good shot at one of the other three deer but couldn't risk any movement.  After what seemed like a long time she turned towards the others giving me a broadside shot.  When the smoke cleared, deer were running every where and I wasn't sure which one I shot at or even if I hit it.   I walked the 45 yards to where she was standing and was glad to see the blood trail in the picture below.  Being somewhat certain she was dead, I started following the blood trail.  After 40 yards, I spotted a deer standing in the brush so decide to reload in case it was the one I shot at.  Turns out the one I shot was down and this one was just still hanging around.  Being we were not at base camp, I didn't have a scale to weigh her, but she was a big one for sure.         

This is always a good sign


Nice big doe

[dew2]

 OH YAH! Thats a nice sized doe.I've noticed around our home the deer are starting to move much more daytime.

[DDSBYDAY]

  Great story and nice deer.      Being in an awkward  position with the deer right in front of you really can get the old heart pumping.  For me it seems so loud that I almost expect the deer to hear it.

[glenn57]

NICE!!!!!!!!!!!! when is muzzy season over???????

[Mayfly]

Love a good deer story! Congrats on an awesome doe!!

Here's a glimpse at my season this year..

[deadeye]

MNO -- great video.  It just proves that most of the time things don't go according to plan.  I love it.

[ray634]

Good going. Nice to see someone get one with the muzzle loader. I saw 3 yesterday that were in too much brush to shoot at and one that stopped at about 100 yd today. I shot but only one pellet lit and the other one burned down range. I will have to start shooting  to clear the charge every night now. First time I've had that problem.

[deadeye]

I usually load up once before the season and if I don't shoot, I just open the breach and unload it.  I put tape over the muzzle after I load it.  Been working for me. 

[ray634]

I do not have a breech plug so I have to shoot it.
I do not have to worry about wet loads anymore this year.
A doe fawn came in to my doe bleat and now is providing coyote bait for the local trapper.
With only the wife and I left at home it will be just enough to hold us over to next season.

[dakids]

Way to go guys. Congrats.