Got settled in the blind around 4:15 yesterday afternoon as the camera at this particular field had been showing regular usage of one particular buck named Sherlock. Sherlock got his name last year as a 3 year old as he busted me drawing my bow on another mature buck and blew the chance for me. Needless to say, another year older and now in the target age group, I was anxious to target him and settle the score for the blown opportunity he caused me last year. I had several does and yearling browsing as the sun was setting, and just as he had over the past week, Sherlock waltzed out 40 yards from the blind at roughly 6:40. This time he was accompanied by a big doe and a 3 year old 8. All of them eyed the blind as they made their way into the field and I tried to watch who and where each of them were looking. The doe and the 3 year old buck must have seen something they didn't like and Sherlock began getting a bit nervous at 30 yards. I drew my bow below the window and eased the sight and arrow into it. I checked my rest to ensure clearance of the arrow upon release and settled my pin just behind his shoulder. Buck fever must have gotten me as I never truly picked a spot and touched off the release. I immediately recognized my arrow was low and heard the "whack" much like the sound of a boat paddle hitting a hard object. As he ran off I saw most of my arrow sticking out. I knew it was low but still maintained a glimmer of hope. Disgust set in almost immediately, however. I gave him a bit and we picked up the trail a little after dark. The blood was spotty and never gave the indication of a fatal wound and it played out after almost 400 yards. The deer never stopped or bedded. I believe the hit was in the top part of the leg/lowest point of the shoulder and didnt get anything vital. I look forward to someone getting another chance at this guy as I doubt it will be very long before he's back and almost 100%. Definitely a humbling experience but I am hopeful to see him again very soon.
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Wow. I can't believe it's been over a month since I've updated anything. We had a great Labor Day weekend at the farm although the doves disappeared overnight on us. Literally. We watched strong numbers of birds working the field until sundown on 8/31 and as the sun rose on 9/1 they were gone. Adios. Nowhere to be found. We managed a meager 5 birds that morning, which was a big disappointment from where our expectations were set. Nonetheless, we had a great time and the kids all had a blast. We put our plots in on 9/20 with a 80% chance of rain forecasted for 9/22. As I type this on 10/1, we have not received a drop of rain since planting. The one plus this year that I've seen is the number and size of deer we are getting regularly on trail cams. This is year 4 on the property and it is very evident that trigger restraint along with high protein food has begun to show itself in the form of healthier deer. I plan on trying to do my part to stick one of those mature deer starting Friday. I'm looking forward to the next 4 months spending time in the great outdoors and the memories that are sure to come along with it. A rundown of a month's worth of photos are below.
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