Well, just got back from my "scouting trip."
I got to the property about 5:15, sunrise is 6:30. The place is mixed oak/doug fir with meadows of now dry grass ranging from 1-5 acres in between. I was trying to get an idea about how the deer moved across this landscape. I set up on the edge of a pasture under a branching fir and waited for sunrise.
About 6:30 just at sunrise I saw two does in the pasture about 300 yards away. As I was watching them a flicker caught my eye and I saw a nice forked horn (he was a healthy looking deer, carrying some fat) just entering my little meadow at about 35 yards. He was looking straight at me, so I acted like a statue for what seemed like a really long time. Than he come walking straight towards me. The whole thing took about a 1/2 hr, and I was kneeling the whole time. My lower legs got completely numb. Anyway, to make a long and agonizing story really short, this boy walked within 12 yards, but he was antsy and knew something wasn't right. He started to turn broadside, and than snorted and kipped away to the forest edge at about 25 yards. Before he entered the woods he stopped and peered towards me, presenting a quartering away shot. I took the shot, but he was already moving again and the arrow sailed about 2" over his back.
Definitely operator error because that bow shoots fast and straight. I've been sort of kicking myself for even taking the shot... but, its one of those decisions that comes in the moment.
Anyway, I set up some ground blinds from fir branches and dead grass, along a few major trails. And I think I'm getting the hang of how these deer move. The property owner has been kind enough to invite me back.... so, I think things could easily come together here this season.
Gabe
