Or for veteran deer hunters for that matter...........Don't ever shoot at a buck and assume you missed it without checking the area well.......This happened today.
I'm having lunch at the Lake Henshaw Café and a MCC member sits down with us. I had just validated another MCC members buck.......We're talking about his buck, when the person that just sits says he missed a great SD buck in the morning.......I asked him since it was almost dark did he check the area well for blood......He said he had looked, but didn't see anything. I asked if he looked after it got lighter.......No was the answer......At this, I suggested we go back and look closer with more guys......He stated he was heading home......I finally convinced him to go back to the spot......I've hunted this spot many times for turkeys. So, I knew the area very well......After we get there, I asked him where he shot from and where was the buck......He showed me the location......Oaks & laydowns to the left. I asked him which way the deer ran.....He wasn't sure, but knew he didn't go right (wide open & could have seen him)......At this, Jacob & I start going left looking for blood.....To our left is a huge dead oak.....I say to Jacob, well I know he didn't jump that oak. So, he had to have gone around it......Just when I say this we smell him and I see blood on some oak leaves......Jacob says, here he is right here. Right in front of the dead oak.....This buck didn't go 35 yds..... ;D
It was this guys 1st buck and is having it mounted......Also showed him how to gut it......lol
I guess the point is.....You own it to yourself and the animal to check the area thoroughly. Even if you think you missed......This beautiful buck wouldn't been lost, if it wasn't for just a chance encounter.
.
I'm having lunch at the Lake Henshaw Café and a MCC member sits down with us. I had just validated another MCC members buck.......We're talking about his buck, when the person that just sits says he missed a great SD buck in the morning.......I asked him since it was almost dark did he check the area well for blood......He said he had looked, but didn't see anything. I asked if he looked after it got lighter.......No was the answer......At this, I suggested we go back and look closer with more guys......He stated he was heading home......I finally convinced him to go back to the spot......I've hunted this spot many times for turkeys. So, I knew the area very well......After we get there, I asked him where he shot from and where was the buck......He showed me the location......Oaks & laydowns to the left. I asked him which way the deer ran.....He wasn't sure, but knew he didn't go right (wide open & could have seen him)......At this, Jacob & I start going left looking for blood.....To our left is a huge dead oak.....I say to Jacob, well I know he didn't jump that oak. So, he had to have gone around it......Just when I say this we smell him and I see blood on some oak leaves......Jacob says, here he is right here. Right in front of the dead oak.....This buck didn't go 35 yds..... ;D
It was this guys 1st buck and is having it mounted......Also showed him how to gut it......lol
I guess the point is.....You own it to yourself and the animal to check the area thoroughly. Even if you think you missed......This beautiful buck wouldn't been lost, if it wasn't for just a chance encounter.
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