Post by LongSpur39 on Sept 7, 2010 3:23:19 GMT -5
It was hoverin around 3 above zero. I pulled up into the dark hollow where very little sun hits the ground during the year. As I climbed out of the truck,I thought this is insane. I'd hunted hard all season and this was just not making me enthusiastic at all. I decided to not walk too far up through the woods,because it was so noisy. I still had 30 minutes before light. But being in the big dark hemlock forest.It wouldn't get light for a bit longer. I had found a big stump to sit on.From here I could see quite a long ways up the hill. As I sat there waiting a pair of coyotes ran right past me . All I could see was bits and pieces of them,as they trotted up the hill. I for the most part don't wear gloves ,atleast on my shooting hand.And ofcourse on this fine day I forgot to even pack any. Within 20 minutes of sittin my hands were numb. I hadn't heard nor seen any movement. So I stood up and began to slowly walk,crunching with every step. It had taken me nearly an hour to go 50 yds,and the cold was getting unbearable. I caught movement up and to the right.Up above the sun was hitting an open ridge. I had to do a double take. There stood a big doe and several deer behind her. I brought the gun up, and just about to launch. When out steps a pretty good buck. He chased the doe down farther to my right. I had no shot.Oh I failed to mention but i was carrying my 870 express with open sights. It is so thick in there to get a shot with a scoped gun would be tough. But seeing this buck in one of the few open spots in the whole area. I was wishin for my scope now! He and the doe walked pretty quick down below me into a nasty thick patch of laurels and smaller hemlocks. It was so noisy I didn't dare move in that direction. I just spun real slow and got ready for a snap shot. When I moved the other deer saw me and ran up over the hill. I thought great I spooked the whole lot of em! I waited for a few minutes anyhow. Next thing I hear is a twig snap in the thick cover. I was looking hard back and forth,and could see nothing. I caught a slight movement after another few minutes. It was the tine of a rack and at a mere 40 yds. The buck was comin slightly below me,and nearing a 10 foot wide opening. I followed his legs and when he came to the opening. I looked him over and brought the gun up. He froze when he caught me. I had a good chest shot. When I looked down the iron sights,snow had packed up on the front sight. Luckily i had a short barrel. I quickly reached forward and wiped it off. The buck jumped out of the opening,but he didn't go far. I picked his neck and head out as he was watching me from behind a big hemlock. He took one step and I could see his shoulder. I touched it off and he tore out of dodge. I was positive I'd made a good shot. But after examining the shot spot. I was a little skeptical. Continued
