change in tactics ...

One thing I am learning is that if a certain tactic is repeatedly not working – try something different.

For two weeks I have been setting up perfect ambushes: ranged kill zones, watching the wind, camo, face paint, conscious of the deer’s’ habits, etc., blah, blah. And it just hasn’t been coming together.

So, today I tried something different, entirely!

I didn’t have my cell phone – which I use to determine shooting hours – and to call Nancy. I was a bit worried about pushing the limit of shooting hours – but then reckoned that I know them well – just how dark the end of hours is – and continued.

Instead of camos – full civilian dress. No face paint – though a sunny day. Old Navy sweater, black cap, cargo pants I wore to work. Bold, intentional, I waited and then set out late, sun nearly setting already. The one thing to my advantage: hunting upwind. The other: confidence.

Unlike the previous days – the deer were already out when I arrived, and in number.

Deer at about 200 yards - hadn't noticed me (I think) – but I did not have a good shooting position. Options: retreat slightly and try and climb, in view, to a good position – or move forward, in slight shield of some bushes. I decided to move forward. Black with white/yellow Old Navy, and all.

Past the spot where they could view me I now moved into a spot where I had always imagined shooting a deer. My vest was noisy – worrying me somewhat – but I had a feeling this would come together.

I got to a shooting position – the deer were moving across a stubble field – three shooters close and a fourth beyond. Only one problem – two houses beyond also. I decided to choose a lane of fire to the right of the right-most house, and ranged, 138 yards, and waited.

It is amazing how fast deer move, even if grazing.

I set the bipod legs a bit high, so coming up with a rear rest was a bit of a challenge. I decided to take the second deer. I felt I could make the shot (before they moved out of the kill zone).

At impact the deer jumped straight up – almost like a ballerina.

Both front legs broken the deer augured down the hill straight toward me.

The deer got to the edge of the field and at the top of a small gulch of brush still alive – I looked for a head shot – but it didn’t come together – and the deer disappeared.
I slowly gathered my stuff and headed over. The bullet probably delivered death – I just hoped I didn’t have to follow a deer into thick brush as darkness ensued. (I have to work tomorrow!)

The deer left a discernable path down through the stubble – but no with blood – which concerned me ... but then I turned around – and saw a beautiful young whitetail buck, piled up at the edge of the field.

I thanked God. What bounty!!! Sorry only I didn’t have my camera.

++++++


I de-meated the deer (in view of town, 5 miles distant) and carried three quarters to the car, about a mile away, then drove around to the houses above for the final quarter and head.
I was home by 7:45.

I am eating the tenderloin and drinking red wine as I write. Oops – I think the steak is burning.

JRF/SH