iDoHunting.com: Turkey guy gets his buck on turkey day!

My Thanksgiving Day Buck!

The author of this report is Pat Howard (gutone4me).

Ever since my early days on iDoHunting I've been dubbed a turkey guy but to be honest I love deer hunting just as much. With my 09 archery season being a success early, I've been waiting patiently for gun season to get here to "horn" hunt again. Well as usual, opening weekend didn't live up to the hype with only 1 doe seen. Monday was a wash but I did end up with many walleyes and saugers coming to the boat on pool 4. Tuesday morning I only saw a doe fawn so I decided to head north to hunt with fellow IDO Brad Juaire. We saw a few deer Tuesday afternoon but not shooters. Wednesday was a very long and wet day with only a doe and a small buck spotted.

Which brings us to Thanksgiving - the crew was to meet at the farm about 6:15am but I was all alone (just the way I like it). When I got to my stand, I was greeted with a rather stout northwest wind. It seemed to take forever for daylight to come but eventually it did.

About 45 minutes into my sit I was interrupted from my Texas hold em’ game by a set of antlers on the far end of the set aside field. Knowing if I can see antlers with the naked eye at almost 200 yards, he's probably big enough to shoot. I stood up and turned around bracing myself against the tree for the shot . As quickly as I could, I settled the cross hairs on his front shoulders and squeezed the trigger. He folded like a napkin. To be honest I was a little surprised as I am what a few of you call a “pie plater” with my rifle meaning if I can hit a pie plate at 100 yards I’m good to go. Well after a self high 5 and a few text messages (it was more like 25), I was on my way over to get a look at him and I was not disappointed. He is a beautiful symmetrical 8-point with a 17 inch inside spread.

One thing I did notice right before I shot was he was limping badly, after some inspection this guy had a tough week. He had been clipped in the leg and also shot next to the spine with a entry and exit hole parallel to his spine. I like to think I did him a favor because it was doubtful he would have made it through the winter. After a quick call to LadyLuck (my wife) she was more than happy to drive down to the property to take some pictures. In the middle of the photo session I could see her frown growing then the truth came out - this was the same buck she had missed late October with her bow . Trying to ease the pain I said don't worry honey it is still going on the wall at our house. I don't think that helped. Big thanks to those who answered my texts and shared in the celebration - it felt like you guys were there with me and after all that’s what makes this site so great.