There is nothing better than sitting in a tree stand that first week of November. The bucks start chasing does and it just makes for some great entertainment for those long sits in the stand. On November 3rd I was sitting on the edge of a bean field waiting for deer to come out to feed. I was taking in some of that great entertainment by watching a couple nice bucks chase two does back and forth.
Out of the corner of my eye I caught movement. When I looked it was the buck that I have been getting pictures of all summer 30 yards in front of me running toward the action. Not being ready like I should have been, I quickly grabbed my bow and drew back. He stopped right before crossing a fence and I shot. I saw my arrow hit a branch, the buck crossed and trotted off. I thought for sure I was not going to see him again. Twenty minutes later I saw a doe come walking out of a ravine and guess who, was following right behind. To pour a little more salt in the wound, I got to watch him chase a doe all around the timber for over a half an hour while they both stayed just out of range. I had a little hope left, if he was brave enough to come back to the area that quick after being shot at, I may still have a chance at this buck.
The next morning was perfect, it had just rained and it was quiet walking out to my stand. I set up about 100 yards away from where I was the night before just outside a bedding area. I got up in my tree and was all settled in for my morning hunt. After only five minutes I saw movement in the distance. As the deer got closer I recognized right away, it was the one I missed the night before. The trail he came in on was going to present a perfect broadside shot. Just as I drew back my PSE Omen the buck decided to change his direction and was heading straight at me.
Having on my Mossy Oak Infinity he didn’t even have a clue he was about to walk right under me. As he got to the only clearing I had which was only five yards away, I took aim and released my arrow. The buck took off running and I knew this time I didn’t miss! I got down from my tree stand a few minutes later to retrieve my arrow and I was happy to see it completely covered in blood. Right away I called my friend Perry Peterson up to help me track this buck. After following a very faint blood trail for over a few hundred yards, we could see antlers sticking out of some brush. I was absolutely overwhelmed seeing him lying on the ground. I know getting a second chance after missing the night before doesn’t always happen but it’s a great feeling when it does.
Jered Rave, Mossy Oak Prostaff