Smellydog
Well-Known Member
Cracking morning stalk. Up at 04:30. On the ground 05:30.
I'm beginning to think nearby forestry and a private estate have had a large cull. I'm not seeing as many animals this winter but at 06:30ish I happened on two bucks eating acorns about 100yds away out of the wind. I was in the wind brrrr behind a large oak waiting for light.
All was going well and I nearly had enough light to aim when suddenly one starts tamping a hoof!
Turns out up wind a doe was breaking cover but she spooked the two bucks and they headed in, I just couldn't believe it. I was moments from shooting
.
I decided to follow them especially as the doe also was moving away....for now!
I say for now because as I got close to the treeline she appeared only 50yds away but could I see enough, nope nadda. Eventually she made me out and was gone, observed through the thermal.
Tip toeing through the timber I headed to a favourite spot of theirs which again duly produced a heat source.
Then it all went weird and fast! From nowhere I had a buck appear below me. I put the sticks down, stepped forward to clear some brash cocking the hammer and shouldering the rifle in one swift movement only to see an antlered head looking straight at me.
The rifle was already on the lung box and instinctively fired, the report being almost a surprise!
The buck trotted off and out of sight. I heard no slap of the bullet finding it's new home at all. I waited, I then got the hip flask out and had a drop of rum.
Then I went looking for blood. Nothing!
He had made his last 50yds when he fell but there was only a little bit of blood near the bucks final resting place.
Shot distance was around 30yds.
Nice buck, age ideas please? I'm thinking 4-5 years??
I need a better drag, this one is ruined after only two drags.
I'm beginning to think nearby forestry and a private estate have had a large cull. I'm not seeing as many animals this winter but at 06:30ish I happened on two bucks eating acorns about 100yds away out of the wind. I was in the wind brrrr behind a large oak waiting for light.
All was going well and I nearly had enough light to aim when suddenly one starts tamping a hoof!
Turns out up wind a doe was breaking cover but she spooked the two bucks and they headed in, I just couldn't believe it. I was moments from shooting
. I decided to follow them especially as the doe also was moving away....for now!
I say for now because as I got close to the treeline she appeared only 50yds away but could I see enough, nope nadda. Eventually she made me out and was gone, observed through the thermal.
Tip toeing through the timber I headed to a favourite spot of theirs which again duly produced a heat source.
Then it all went weird and fast! From nowhere I had a buck appear below me. I put the sticks down, stepped forward to clear some brash cocking the hammer and shouldering the rifle in one swift movement only to see an antlered head looking straight at me.
The rifle was already on the lung box and instinctively fired, the report being almost a surprise!
The buck trotted off and out of sight. I heard no slap of the bullet finding it's new home at all. I waited, I then got the hip flask out and had a drop of rum.
Then I went looking for blood. Nothing!
He had made his last 50yds when he fell but there was only a little bit of blood near the bucks final resting place.
Shot distance was around 30yds.
Nice buck, age ideas please? I'm thinking 4-5 years??
I need a better drag, this one is ruined after only two drags.
