Thanksgiving (A year of Firsts)

We took our annual trip down to MS this year for Thanksgiving. Not as many family members were in town this year, so that meant one thing. HUNTING ALL DAY EVERYDAY!  It also would be the year of many first for me in hunting. This was the first year to help with the food plots, to have a camera out scouting those food plots, and last but not least first year to bow hunt. We have a few tree stands set up around the property but there was one I always wanted to hunt. Its a one man stand that is about 10 feet off the ground overlooking a small food plot. It also is a major crossing point for deer. It’s in between a food/water source and a bedding area. For years I have thought this would be a great place to hunt! It’s a perfect place to bow hunt, the farthest shot is only 40 yards.

We know from experience this is a great spot because earlier in the year “Scooter” a co-worker came down opening weekend of bow season and got a really nice Doe. He had deer all over him every day in the stand. SO I figured for the next 3-4 days I would make this my home. Every morning around 7-8 am there would be 3-4 doe in the food plot. The first 2 days I waited and waited for the big buck in the area to come out to play. (Trail camera pic below.) 

After realizing he was not biting on my grunt calls and rattles, on the 3 days I decided if a nice Doe came out I was going to take my shot! WOW I did not expect me to be as nervous when that first Doe stepped out! My heart was racing about 100 miles and hour and my hands were shaking and sweaty. I had shot a thousand times in the back yard so I knew I had it in me. This however was unlike anything that I had felt before. Needless to say I missed 3 Doe over the next 2 trips to the stand. I missed high, low, and in front. On my last full day hunting I had 3 Doe in the food plot and couldn't get them to not look at me so I could get my bow drawn back. They all finally gave me my window. I put my 20 yard pin on her and let it RIP. THIS TIME I DID NOT MISS! She ran 30 yards from the stand and dropped it was a double lung and hear shot! I was so excited I could barely talk or stand. After waiting about 20 minutes I got down and tracked her. I must say that bow hunting has become my addiction now. Having to get a wild animal to come with 40 yards of you and still not let them see, smell or hear you is MUCH MUCH harder than I ever thought!