It’s
Game Time!
Many may have been watching football this day. To me..."It's Game Time!" means so much more!
The buck looked back at his worthy adversary and gave out a loud
snort-wheeze as he postured up and was ready for a fight. Little did this buck know
he was no match for the foam antlers and clothe makeup of his opponent!
Each
and every November we as deer hunters get pumped up for the rut and all the
action that is about to take place when we enter the fields and woods. Our bows
are tuned, broadheads are sharp, optic lenses are clean of spots, and boots are
laced; all in anticipation to tighten that string and loosen an arrow at a deer
of our choosing. All the preparation and sleepless nights come down to that one
experience that brings you one with nature. It requires you to outsmart that
critter on their turf and you need all the tools possible to help turn the
tables.
It
was November 24, 2013 as I slipped through the chilly darkness and onto a ridge
that bucks use to cruise about in search of their next date. The sun began to
do work as the sky lightened with the winter beauty that we as hunters know.
The air was crisp and clean. The ground was hard and crunchy. My fingers and
toes could feel Jack Frost’s efforts trying to take his toll. But I, I was
ready and knew the bucks were still active as the rut was winding down. My
Heads Up Decoy whitetail buck was in my pack awaiting its’ deployment. I just
needed a worthy adversary to pit my wits against.
After
moving about slowly on that ridge and not seeing the bucks I was looking for I
decided to work my way into unchartered territory. This was my first time
reaching this area and after 4 miles I was considering the validity of my
location. The sun was now up and it was a blue bird day. Squirrels scampered
about reluctantly as if looking for the last of their preparation for the cold
winter and future snow storms. They didn’t seem to care much about me but
wanted to stock up their supplies for their winter retreat.
It
was warming up fast and I contemplated making my way back towards the truck
when I decided to push on just a bit farther to see what was ahead. Up to this
point I hadn’t seen the deer I normally do. I spotted a pretty good clearing
ahead and quickly noticed a doe in the middle, alone and feeding. I watched her
and spied around to see if there may be a buck nearby. She fed on and into the
timber as I crept forward.
Just
like a ghost emerging from the darkness; a doe erupted from the timber and ran
into the meadow about 200 yards away. Something had to be pestering her. Just then
a nice buck emerged with his nose pressed to the ground. He was a dandy 5 point
for this area and very conducive for a closer look!
Nothing
separated us but the clean air and frosty open meadow. He began to push that
doe up a small hill across the meadow as I moved along the edge of the timber
only when they were not looking my way. I contemplated pulling my HUD out and
fixing it on my bow but decided to get closer before doing so. The doe finally
moved over the hill and the buck stopped to rub a tree allowing me to close the
gap a bit more. Just before he went over the hill he looked back to see if
anybody may come into his bedroom it seems. I remember seeing his antler tips disappear
as he went over the hill and then it was game time!
I
was within 100 yards now as I quickly put boots to ground and crossed the
meadow. Upon reaching the bottom of the hill I removed my pack and pulled out
my whitetail buck decoy and fixed it to my bow. The foam antlers were
positioned and I was ready within 30 seconds. I worked my way up the hill and
just before cresting the top I removed an arrow from the quiver and snapped the
nock onto the string. I was inching forward where the doe had crossed trying to
make it appear that another buck was on her trail. I spotted her just ahead
looking back at me. She was concerned but not spooked. She was probably
thinking, “Great, I have to deal with another hormone intoxicated buck…..what
gives?” But regardless I kept pushing forward with no sign of the buck.
I
stopped and let out a grunt hoping this would make the buck appear but nothing
happened. The doe was standing 40 yards away in the bottom of the small draw.
The buck was nowhere to be seen. Just then another doe came running into the
draw as if she was being pushed by a buck and not far behind her the buck
stepped out below me at 35 yards with his head to the ground. He had no idea I
was there and he quickly took up pursuit of the doe heading up the opposite
side of the draw. I ranged him as he walked up the hill…..41, 43, 45 and I
grunted stopping him at 47 yards as he turned broadside and looked back at me.
As
soon as he seen the decoy he postured up, pinned his ears back and let out a
magnificent snort-wheeze. He was ready for a fight and I am sure he would have
came right into my lap if I wanted to let him. He was ready to close the distance
but I opted to take my shot then. I lowered my range finder. My release hooked
my d-loop and the string tightened as my muscles worked together to bring the
bow back to full draw. I completely forgot about the decoy as I split my 40 and
50 yard pin and held low behind his shoulder. He was mad there was another buck
close to his girl. As soon as he moved his near side shoulder ahead my release
spit out the loop and the energy of the limbs projected my arrow forth. I couldn’t
have placed that arrow in a more perfect spot! The sound of the broadhead
making contact is a sound I crave and can never forget!
The
buck make a quick sprint up the opposite hill away from me as I could see blood
pumping out of both sides. He wouldn’t be going far after he went out of sight.
I picked up my crimson red colored arrow and another smile and warm feeling
came over me. I couldn’t help but stare at it for a bit with a huge grin.
Weight was lifted off my shoulders as I knew I was punching another tag today.
70
yards from where that buck was standing had me admiring a truly handsome
specimen. I knelt down in front of the buck taking his antlers in my hands,
feeling his soft coat and praising the Lord and the powers that be for allowing
me another amazing experience. The meat of this buck will bring many good meals
my family’s way!
I
headed back to gather up my belongings and put my pack back together and
prepare for the pack out. I rested my bow with the decoy still attached up
against a tree and was replaying the events in my mind when I heard a buck
grunt. I looked up and noticed a young buck following the does scent right to
where I stood. As soon as he saw the decoy he froze in his tracks and became
aggressive but knew the buck looked bigger. He circled my position as I was
able to get away with the movement of taking my camera out of my pack. At 15
yards I know he could see me moving but the decoy had his mind locked that I was
another buck. Amazing what these decoys can do!
Without
the Heads Up Decoy on this hunt I don’t think I would have gotten a shot at
that buck. The decoy kept that doe at bay allowing me to slip into range on the
buck. Without the decoy they would have taken off leaving me pondering the what
ifs and should haves. I have had numerous experiences using various HUD’s and
each time they have helped me in my quest for putting meat in my freezer.
After
caping and deboning the buck I had a 4.5 mile pack out and with each step of
the way I had a smile on my face! Another day of going in light and coming out
heavy! I love this game! God is Great!
