FUCKING WIND

Last night the rain blew sideways from the west. It was wet on the porch from both doors in the morning. I woke up at 5am as always but didn't get up. Actually i should have because when i did get up there deer everywhere. On RNButch's there were 6. A spike was out the kitchen window. I put on my gear and got in the woods.

By 10 am a big doe with a younger one had been within range but had spooked at the last minute. the wind was at my back and no matter how scent conscious you are they are still going to bust you. I came home, and planned the afternoon. RNButch has been installing all new fence line, so i hadn't hunted the back ridge. That was my plan.

I went in at 2pm and by the time I set down against a big tree, brush all around, back to the field, I'd seen 3 doe. Then a big dark doe went out right below me, mouth open, like she'd been run. She could be hot. Then, not 15 minutes later a 5 or possibly 7 (with brow tines) buck crossed 10 yards to my left, heading for that doe's bed. I drew the bow and the wind blew my arrow off the rest. I got the arrow re-seated and by this time the buck was farther down the ridge and partially hidden. I released the shot and hit him high and too far back. He took off, the arrow sticking obscenely out his side.

I waited and then picked up the trail. I found blood, but not much. My heart sank. I never should've taken the shot. I retreated back to my spot and waited another hour. Then I went back to the trail. The blood was bright red and spotty. I had hit deer high before and dropped them dead, but I feared luck was not with me on this one. I found the arrow 200 yards away and as i picked it up, the buck went out below me. He snorted and disappeared.

After dark i called Savage and gave him the run down. He was kind, but firm. It was a bad shot, pure and simple. Best case if I can find the bed and find gut I may find dead deer. Another best case would be that the deer was not severely hit and he will recoup and be fine. Worst case he is severely wounded and I can't find him, leaving him to die a painful death from the wound or coyotes. Tomorrow I'll try to find the bed and take it from there. And no i won't get much sleep tonight. They don't teach this in art school.