Out this fine morning deer hunting. Snuck in not as quiet as i wanted as the plowed field isnt froze but offered a light crunch. Found some thorns that ripped across my bibs like a chainsaw. Found a tree to lean on and cleared the ground of leaves. Sitting in the dark a coon decides to climb the tree im leaning against. As my crossbow was still in case mr stubborn coon got a knife wound for xmas. Unhappy with his gift he went screaming thru the bush for several hundred yards it sounded like. Apparently 3 deer didnt like the noise and walked within 15 yards of me. Bow still in case. They stay awhile into legal light as i watch with my bow in case waiting for them to move on so i can uncase and #### my bow. The snow begins and i hear foot steps on the leaves so i get ready and face the incoming sound. Out of the falling snow shows not 2 but 3 fat coons coming apparently to the scene of the stabbing. Depressed i lower my bow and hear that blow. Nothing worse than a late season doe downwind not 10 yards behind on my weak side. You would think. Then it starts to look good. Shes stupid and stupid deer taste better. She walks right out broadside. Still to my right but i manage to turn and bring up the bow. Crosshairs on her lungs as shes stsnding there. Then a branch breaks behind me and she swings her head up and looks overtop of me and stares. Then while looking she moves forward and i hear steps very close and i just know i should take this doe but i slowly turn my head and see antlers. Now im no trophy hunter but i prefer to take mature bucks and this beast is worth 2 big does in the freezer. I half stare long enough for his head to fade behind a tree and i do a ninja spin move and throw my bow up on his chest. Theres one lil tree with a bunch of arrow diverting twigs sticking off it covering his lungs. Heart pounding body contorted arms weakening i hold the bow steady enough looking for a hole. Hes 15 yards max from me. I can see his antlers. A perfect tall wide heavy 14 point. Then the chest cramp kicks in. It felt like i took the arrow to the chest. 6 long minutes i wait for the shot. The doe then desides the deer god are unwilling and she walks across and in front of me and passed the buck. He in turn follows her walking directly away behind the tree. No shot. I watched them both fade away in the hardwoods thru the snow. Now im sitting here trying to catch my breath and stretch my chest out. Its throbing. Then the real pain kicks in. Biggest buck of my life less than 15 yards broadside and because of one lil shrub im going home empty handed unless i can track down that arrogant coon. I know i could have likely put a arrow into him i just couldnt bring myself to risk wounding him and loosing him
6 days left to hopefully see him again
6 days left to hopefully see him again
