Crazed VA Buck!!!
Nov 4, 2012 17:48:38 GMT -5
Post by slipperhead on Nov 4, 2012 17:48:38 GMT -5
I hunted the muzzle-loader opener yesterday on a new property. Didn't see anything in the morning as I hoped with the bright moon. I had a quick lunch nearby then got back into the field. I took some time and walked around a bit. Found a young pine thicket the size of a basketball court with a dozen rubs around it. No scrapes nearby. What the heck. Figured I would get within range of it in fairly open woods and enjoy a nice afternoon in the warm sun on a brisk afternoon. (Shortly afterward, I dozed off a dozen times....secure in my climber....ahhh, nice!)
Around 5pm, I saw a group of 10 deer heading my way; 4 mature does and their kids from the last two years, I'm guessing.
The largest doe was HUGE and was selected for processing. Just before the shot, I see another deer coming in the distance.....wait, wait....what is it? Dang, another doe, young one.
Just as I'm about to swing on the large doe, I'm busted....can't move. They are all scattered at about 25 yards in front of me. Ok, I will just sit still and whack that doe as she is departing.....if I can.
BUT WAIT...another deer coming, following the path of the rest....wait a minute! A buck with his nose to the ground; doe-in-heat crazed!!! By this time, the does begin to move on. That's good. I raised the barrel, the buck came into view quartering toward me and I squeezed off the shot at about 60 yards.
Devastating boiler room shot, center-punching the heart and the large lobe of liver. The buck rocked back on its haunches and fell over.
I wasn't being picky....2 1/2 year old basket 8pt (similar to NC Deer). He is still hanging under the pergola outside enjoying the cool VA temps. I will skin and process tomorrow and get a good look at the entry/exit wound.
This was the first field shot from the .45 Rem700/McGowen. I used a loading of 62gr 4198, blue Harvester and a lightly knurled 195 Barnes. I have only been to the range once and left the rifle dead on at 50yds and about 2" high at 100. I haven't shot longer ranges yet. Great build and triggerwork by Fishhawk!
Looking forward to another great smokeless ML season!
Garland in VA
Around 5pm, I saw a group of 10 deer heading my way; 4 mature does and their kids from the last two years, I'm guessing.
The largest doe was HUGE and was selected for processing. Just before the shot, I see another deer coming in the distance.....wait, wait....what is it? Dang, another doe, young one.
Just as I'm about to swing on the large doe, I'm busted....can't move. They are all scattered at about 25 yards in front of me. Ok, I will just sit still and whack that doe as she is departing.....if I can.
BUT WAIT...another deer coming, following the path of the rest....wait a minute! A buck with his nose to the ground; doe-in-heat crazed!!! By this time, the does begin to move on. That's good. I raised the barrel, the buck came into view quartering toward me and I squeezed off the shot at about 60 yards.
Devastating boiler room shot, center-punching the heart and the large lobe of liver. The buck rocked back on its haunches and fell over.
I wasn't being picky....2 1/2 year old basket 8pt (similar to NC Deer). He is still hanging under the pergola outside enjoying the cool VA temps. I will skin and process tomorrow and get a good look at the entry/exit wound.
This was the first field shot from the .45 Rem700/McGowen. I used a loading of 62gr 4198, blue Harvester and a lightly knurled 195 Barnes. I have only been to the range once and left the rifle dead on at 50yds and about 2" high at 100. I haven't shot longer ranges yet. Great build and triggerwork by Fishhawk!
Looking forward to another great smokeless ML season!
Garland in VA
