Been at it for a few days (season opened this zone on Nov. 20th) now, and it's been a good season. Just out and about on foot close to home, same as always. Kicked up a few does and spikers on a couple occasions, found a few deer super highways where I didn't expect at all, and saw a few decent bucks. In fact, it was two days ago, the wind was all wrong for my normal hunting area, so I poked along some field/light bush between properties. I found one of those super highways and wanted to get the heck outta there seeing it was time for them to get up and moving. Bail down into end of a slough with 5-6 foot cat tail and figure I'll just stand there and see what goes by. Wait a bit and nothing, so I figure I better water the trees quick. You know what happened next... A little buck goes running by, and here I'm thinking how funny it is that I'm relieving myself, when not far behind, a bigger guy is either following or chasing. Well, got done up and booted up the hill, but they were long gone. I did see the smaller guy out around 400 meters, but I didn't want to take him. So amused and disappointed I walk back towards home, going to be running out of legal light soon. Come across a big body buck with a coat rack up top, well wouldn't you know that a rifle going click is bleep bleep loud and confusing. By the time I cycled the bolt again, he was reaching about mach 3. Moral of the story on that one, if you like to oil your rifles well, clean the bolt before hunting season! Can't even believe that happened. Day after that was uneventful, couple does, and that's it. Run into the neighbor, and he's putting up some no hunting signs, trail cams, and bait, so I know his plans. He tells me he's going to hit it hard, but for me not to worry, and hunt there, it's no problem. I figure if I go, I'll stick to the nasty parts. Which brings us to today. I woke up, and had every intention of hunting the exact same spot as last year, even though it's kind of ugly if you're successful and need to drag something out. But if that's where the deer are, that's where you go right? Don't get me wrong, I love to drop a deer in open field, but sometimes you need to bump your odds. Our season is Nov. 20th to Dec. 2nd (used to be Sept archery, all October muzzleloader, and rifle all November until Dec. 7th. So has a element of pressure to get er done. Anyways, get to the spot, and realize there seems to be a better area about 50 meters ahead, so I park my butt in the tall grass, trees and snow, and wait. Did a few rattles, but I don't know if I have the magic. Maybe an hour later, a buck walks by and then into the open around 100 meters away. I didn't get a perfect shot, he was sort of quartering away, but I took a poke where I thought the bullet needed to go. Here's the funny part, they legalized 22 cal centerfire this year so I thought I'd try it. Agree with or not, that's what I did. The reaction was odd to say the least (nicked the liver and took a lung). At the sound of the thwuk, the buck kicked, ran about 10 meters, flagged his tail, turned around, stood there for about 5 seconds, and then slumped down. I had a bunch of trees for cover, and a bunch out there too, so I had a smoke and went to go find him. Could not find him! After some grid work, I found him behind some deadfall and logs that I couldn't really see from my shooting position. I tell you, those fellas sure blend in good. Drama not over yet, call the wife for a pick up, and told her I'm same spot as last year. She says she'll be there shortly. She got her bearing crossed, and ended up out of view about 300 meters away at another slough! Finally I talk her to my position/headlamp and she came to help. She brought a sled, so I head off on a slough to meet her in a better area. She got the truck mildly stuck, but then mostly smooth sailing after that. Not a big antlered bruiser, but a decent enough size body so I'm happy. Pretty sure I seen his pappy last year too. And she's a wrap for another year. Sorry about the book, but I love hunting and love yapping about it. I'll go grab a photo from the phone.
It's funny this is the way you look at this buck. I've always heard you get some bigguns up there. In PA you would be getting all kinds of attention for bagging a buck like that guy. Basically I guess I'm trying to say congratulations. He would definitely be a wall mount around here. I'd be pretty pumped if I got a buck like that
Agree with the others, nice buck. And personally, I rather enjoyed the read. A good story cannot be sent as a "tweet".
Congrats on a great buck! I too like going to the ugly places where no one else likes to venture. That's where the big guys hang out. Curious about the entry wound and was there an exit wound with the 22 cal centerfire? Was there a blood trail to track? I ask because I shot a small 10 pointer this year with a .270 Win 130 grain ballistic silver tip and there was no evidence of an entry wound and no exit wound, i.e. no blood trail. If I hadn't shot him through the heat and lungs and he went further than the 15 yards he went, it would have been a tough tracking job. No blood on the outside of the deer anywhere. I didn't know until I skinned him out that I broke ribs on both sides. About a 1" diameter on the entry side and 3" on the opposite side but didn't break the skin on the exit side.
Thank you. Looking back this morning, that sort of comes across as being one of those guys. I'm very grateful he gave himself up to me, and should be some fine eating. I never judge people by what size deer they shoot, so not sure why I'd be judging myself.
I always enjoy that aspect after the hunt, what my gal and I call the " are we gonna CSI it?" moment. Damage on the entry side of the body wasn't too bad, sort of between golf ball and tennis ball trauma area to cut out. The bullet made it basically all the way through, but not piercing the skin on the far side. Kind of like if you cut an X where the exit hole should be, and the bullet was still in the carcass about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. There was a surprising amount of fat on this guy for being the tail end of the rut (according to another neighbor). I'm guessing this guy had a good lead on torn grain bags or something. Which answers the next question...no blood trail at all, as if the fat sealed the wound. It just filled up inside and came out when I pulled all the plumbing out.
So, another little addition to the story. I text the neighbor to show him photos of the buck I pulled out, and from what part of the property. He gives me congrats and then goes quiet. Bout an hour later, he sends me a photo of a deer in a sled lol telling me he's got a buck down now. Turns out he was already out hunting when I texted, and was about to give up as he saw nothing all morning, like probably four hours. He hung out for a bit more and the rest is history. I told him come pick me up if you need a hand pulling the plumbing out or loading and he says, nope, I'll be good. A little while later, get a text asking if I can lend a hand, as he's a bit rusty. So off I went and helped him get er done. It's the least I could do. He's happy he gets to hang the deer for a day and then sausages and jerky and stuff and then still some time off. He figured with his luck it would be the end of the 4th day.
Sounds like you were the inspiration to keep him out a bit longer.. successfully. It does get a bit old watching the same squirrels run around for hours.
Very similar with mine but no noticeable entry wound. Broke ribs on both sides but I found the majority of the bullet in the trauma area on the "exit" side when I was butchering it today. Didn't make it through the hide. Fat wasn't to bad on mine.
Nice Job, Nice Deer! Wow took it with a .22?! How much bloodshot was there? I'd imagine now much. PA open season starts on Monday. Not legal to hunt deer w a .22 there (they don't even allow Sunday hunting) but it's OK for small game.
22 caliber center-fire is not the same as 22 rimfire. Could be 22-250, .223, .222 (or others) All are high powered center-fire rifles chambered for 22 caliber bullet. I'm more shocked and/or impressed at.. 100 meters is quite the shot. Certainly not one that would/should, or could be made with a 22 rimfire.
