"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" Charles Dickens
My hunt couldn't have begun better on opening morning several years ago in PA. I made a 110 yard shot at 7:45 AM on an 8 point buck (Rare in those parts) The 140 grain silvertip from the 7mm-08 went through both lungs. He made two jumps downhill, dropped, and was DOA. I then became one of the "dogs" the rest of that day for our group of 4. "The best of times"
The next day I was on stand early as friends were pushing deer toward me and another friend. The deer were coming down a hillside. I could see deer everywhere. There must have been at least 35-40. I had a good solid rest beside a small dead tree, a perfect setup. The first one that slows down or stops will fill my doe tag. Several ran by fast, but one made an abrupt stop, big mistake. The shot was perfect, through both lungs,160 yards, one step, dead deer. Season over, happy camper. To my surprise upon approaching, my "doe" turn into a small spike buck. "The worst of times" What to do, what to do? When the question is what to do, do the right thing ! The fine for "mistaken deer" in PA then was $25.00. And that's what we did. We went to the wildlife officer, he fined me $25.00, but let me keep the deer with a mild warning to be more careful in my shots. It was embarrassing. I pride myself on being an ethical, lawbiding hunter, but we do make honest mistakes, and when we do, we must admit that we do and pay whatever the price. I was $25.00 poorer, but conscience clear, and still rich in heart.
What's your favorite deer story ?
My hunt couldn't have begun better on opening morning several years ago in PA. I made a 110 yard shot at 7:45 AM on an 8 point buck (Rare in those parts) The 140 grain silvertip from the 7mm-08 went through both lungs. He made two jumps downhill, dropped, and was DOA. I then became one of the "dogs" the rest of that day for our group of 4. "The best of times"
The next day I was on stand early as friends were pushing deer toward me and another friend. The deer were coming down a hillside. I could see deer everywhere. There must have been at least 35-40. I had a good solid rest beside a small dead tree, a perfect setup. The first one that slows down or stops will fill my doe tag. Several ran by fast, but one made an abrupt stop, big mistake. The shot was perfect, through both lungs,160 yards, one step, dead deer. Season over, happy camper. To my surprise upon approaching, my "doe" turn into a small spike buck. "The worst of times" What to do, what to do? When the question is what to do, do the right thing ! The fine for "mistaken deer" in PA then was $25.00. And that's what we did. We went to the wildlife officer, he fined me $25.00, but let me keep the deer with a mild warning to be more careful in my shots. It was embarrassing. I pride myself on being an ethical, lawbiding hunter, but we do make honest mistakes, and when we do, we must admit that we do and pay whatever the price. I was $25.00 poorer, but conscience clear, and still rich in heart.
What's your favorite deer story ?