I went hunting this morning after a prolonged absence from the deer woods. Just figured it would be a good day to watch the sun come up with my future son in law Joseph. I got to the tree where on November the 15th Anna harvested her first deer - a beautiful 10 point buck (I'll post on that soon - pics and all)
I got to the tree at 7:28 a.m. sat down and immediately saw a deer. I saw a tail through some trees. I couldn't make it out at all through my scope. I decided to stand up so I could maneuver better. It helped in that I could now see the deer but no ethical shot was possible. Just then I caught movement off to my right.
On the ridge above the hollow I was in stood the biggest buck I've ever seen! He was watching me and the does in the thick stuff. I slowly shifted my rifle to him. The only clear shot I had was at the base of his neck. Seeing that he was above me I figured it would find the vitals.
I went into auto pilot, squeezed the trigger and watched a show of a lifetime. He jumped straight up about 6 feet. whirled around then did what looked like cartwheels until he lay still less than 30 yards from where I shot him.
I texted Joseph to come see this buck. When I got up to him the first thing I saw was his huge body. 245 pounds which is way above average for Georgia. His neck was HUGE - swollen in the rut. What an amazing animal. He was obviously the dominate buck in the area.
Just then I heard a buck grunt close and loud. I figured it was Joseph alerting me that he was fixing to come over the ridge. I looked up and was amazed to see a tall 9 point buck looking for the does that my buck was trailing. I raised my rifle and he turned to leave. One grunt stopped him and my 270 did the rest - right through the shoulders. I saw him run away and found good blood.
Joseph then appeared over the east ridge. He marveled at the 12 on the ground. Joseph is pretty even keeled but seeing a big deer on the ground lights his fire. I love that this young man is as happy for me as he would have been if he had shot it.
I then told him about the other buck. "No way" was his response. "Yup - I put my hat on the limb over first blood." I replied.
We found him just 30 yards from where I shot him. I was still numb. Did this really happen? Am I gonna wake up from this dream disappointed?
We were both in shock.
Joseph informed me that Anna's buck taken 2 weeks ago was the biggest taken on that property. These bucks were even bigger.
"Lord, I don't deserve this but thank you for such an 'over the top' blessing" was my prayer.
What a day! Two wall hangers in 5 minutes!
