Thread: It happened

Well, since moving to Tn. from La. my fishing has not been that great. Not even close to as good as I left. That said, I love it here and can't see living any place else again. Because of this, and because I am the antsy type, I decided I needed more to do. Since my fishing is off, I decided after nearly 40 years to start hunting again. I jump into everything head first. So had to get a new rifle.(old one not good enough? haha) Found a small lease with a partner, and had to get a 4 wheeler.(Polaris 570, love it, tried side by side first, sold it) Put up stands.Made my mind up to take 2 does for the meat and only shoot a buck if it was a clear shot and he was a pretty one. Did not hunt before gun season, but the deer were there. Then proceeded to spend hours in the woods watching squirrels. Finally about 3 weeks ago a nice doe came out very close to me, while sitting in a little ground stand. I watched her and was lifting the rifle up, when I saw a nice thick neck behind her. Looked like only a 6 point, but a beauty. The doe meandered off, with him moving into view. Well I lifted the .308 and he was so close, I could not find him in the scope. Of course he did not wait on me. So now I did not get a shot. I could have shot him with #6 shot in a 20 gauge he was so close. Just could not get him in the scope. Arggg...
Oh well, I didn't get frustrated and kept going back to squirrel watching again most days. Finally while sitting in a stand 18 feet up (that's high for this old fat guy) a couple days ago, I was being thankful for the great afternoon and the fun I was having hunting anyway. Really has been great getting out there. Well my thankfulness was heard. A little doe stepped out in the only place I could make a longish shot. I decided to skip, even though I could see her in the scope, she was very small. Lo and behold, a few minutes later a big doe stepped out. She stood behind a tree for what seemed a long while, with just her head showing. My arms got tired holding the rifle on her so long waiting for one step. Finally she stepped and immediately turned away and started walking. I told myself it was not a great shot, but take it. Aimed for mid back and took her down. I am proud that I made a nice shot from about 150 yards. I shot her right through the left hip bone from behind and almost completely detached it. (was aiming for the spine) Well I must say that is the first doe I ever took. Felt a little weird, but I will try for one more. I field dressed her, then hung her in the shop and skinned and cleaned her myself. Will make sausage with most of the meat, and eat the back straps and one loin I could save on their own. Thanks for hearing me out. Only took about 38 years for this story and I hope you all enjoyed it. Oh, my fishing is still off. I went today and caught 4 drums on a jig pole. Was fun though, one was huge, but no crappie. They dropped Pickwick 3 foot in 3 days and shut down a bite. Oh well, story of my luck. Here's a couple pics.

Originally Posted by ET Fish

That’s a nice one! I have tried deer hunting for the first time this year. I’m 59! I hunted religiously as a younger feller, but always small game. My passion was following a coon dog all night, and I lived for it! This year, decided to deer hunt. I bought my first high powered rifle. I’ve spent a lot of time shooting and assuring a good zero. I had to wait until gun season because I know nothing about bow hunting. A couple of different guys have been kind enough to take me, been probably six times. So far I’ve seen a doe that we spooked with the four wheeler (we only have a one week doe season during rifle), 1.5 billion squirrels, a flock of turkeys, and an owl! I’m having a ton of fun, and kicking myself for waiting so long! I’m still optimistic........!

Keep at it. And teach me to catch fish like you do. haha. I checked to see where Alcoa is. On the western zone of the state, with a special doe tag, we can legally harvest 3 does everyday of the season. Does not seem fair to have such a short season where you are at. Of course you got to see one to shoot one. lol. Good luck, hope you get one.