Never Assume A Miss

Uncle Norm

Uncle Norm

Well-Known Member
Out this morning, well before dawn, in a beautiful piece of Norfolk woodland. Trusty .260 Sako 75 on my shoulder and Ruby my labrador at heel.
We started to make our way to a high seat, but as the light came up, I managed to stalk and bag a Roe doe.

Once settled in the high seat, the woodland wildlife continued its early morning business around me.

I saw a Muntjac buck at a range of about 120 yards, rooting amongst the carpet of fallen leaves. I knew from my thermal that another was present, but couldn't see it.
After some time it presented a broadside shot, which I took. No 'thump' heard and the sight of the raised white tail flag exiting towards the Rhododendrons, made me think that I had missed.
After about an hour, I decided to get down from the high seat to deal with the Roe carcass. Remembering past incidents, I thought I had better go check the area where the Muntjac had been. More in hope than expectation as I was pretty sure I had missed it.

As we got to the spot, Ruby was having a mooch round, off the lead. The woodland floor is clear until one gets to the Rhodo, so I could see that the Muntjac was not lying there.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Ruby with her nose glued to the ground. I just watched her as she 'sorted it out' with a couple of casts, before setting off with her nose to the ground.
She is nearly ten and very experienced, so that could mean only one thing........ she had found the strike site and a line.

Ruby went about forty yards in a right-hand arc before stopping for a good sniff or three. I knew she had made a find. Sure enough it was my 'missed' Muntjac buck.:rolleyes::doh:.

A trained dog is a priceless companion that any amount of technology can't replace.

So this evening, I once again raised a glass to George @Wolverine, who long ago, set Ruby and I on this partnership. :tiphat:
 
Uncle Norm said:
Out this morning, well before dawn, in a beautiful piece of Norfolk woodland. Trusty .260 Sako 75 on my shoulder and Ruby my labrador at heel.
We started to make our way to a high seat, but as the light came up, I managed to stalk and bag a Roe doe.

Once settled in the high seat, the woodland wildlife continued its early morning business around me.

I saw a Muntjac buck at a range of about 120 yards, rooting amongst the carpet of fallen leaves. I knew from my thermal that another was present, but couldn't see it.
After some time it presented a broadside shot, which I took. No 'thump' heard and the sight of the raised white tail flag exiting towards the Rhododendrons, made me think that I had missed.
After about an hour, I decided to get down from the high seat to deal with the Roe carcass. Remembering past incidents, I thought I had better go check the area where the Muntjac had been. More in hope than expectation as I was pretty sure I had missed it.

As we got to the spot, Ruby was having a mooch round, off the lead. The woodland floor is clear until one gets to the Rhodo, so I could see that the Muntjac was not lying there.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Ruby with her nose glued to the ground. I just watched her as she 'sorted it out' with a couple of casts, before setting off with her nose to the ground.
She is nearly ten and very experienced, so that could mean only one thing........ she had found the strike site and a line.

Ruby went about forty yards in a right-hand arc before stopping for a good sniff or three. I knew she had made a find. Sure enough it was my 'missed' Muntjac buck.:rolleyes::doh:.

A trained dog is a priceless companion that any amount of technology can't replace.

So this evening, I once again raised a glass to George @Wolverine, who long ago, set Ruby and I on this partnership. :tiphat:
Click to expand...
I’ve found very similiar and always “got by” with one of mine, but got a pup I’m bringing on and spending time getting her the feel for the job and soon be spending some time with a guy who trains tracking dogs, am sure the dog will be fine, it’s me who needs training 👍
 
Well done
Hands up been there had a Fallow tad over 200 easy shot yes ! but I rushed into the shot I was just not settled in . Good sight picture I thought hmm Well we all know what thought did ! as I pulled the trigger no report of a wet thud !!!! ok I said you cock you missed it ? within 2 mins that chap was sitting on my shoulder :-| "Miss you say bolx not at that range you tested your zero and it was spot on " best you get your arse out of this seat and go see if he's flopped down in the bushes . OK I will , out I go picking up the sticks and on my way , I get to the spot "No pins or blood but I can see the strike ahh a clean miss cool . A few steps back and a look left I see Sign of a running deer but skids on the right front a bit like a kid speed skating in the snow ???? Bells start ringing and I set off tracking this speed skating deer's tracks 150 yrds up just off to the right a fallow pops up 15 feet away and was off ? but like a jumping gate understanding i'v got a deer with a busted front right leg I dropped the sticks and took a shot as he run and the poor feller dropped within a few more yds. On inspection id dropped a very easy midline shot and snapped this lads leg and chipped the other one :doh: . Iam so glad that the little chap on my shoulder pushed me into looking and not letting a miss just pass on by ?. I'd have hated to have found out my actions had left a deer die an awful death at my hands .
Thanks to Mr Reasoning .
Shat happens but its worth looking and not waving it off .
:tiphat:
 
paul o' said:
Well done
Hands up been there had a Fallow tad over 200 easy shot yes ! but I rushed into the shot I was just not settled in . Good sight picture I thought hmm Well we all know what thought did ! as I pulled the trigger no report of a wet thud !!!! ok I said you cock you missed it ? within 2 mins that chap was sitting on my shoulder :-| "Miss you say bolx not at that range you tested your zero and it was spot on " best you get your arse out of this seat and go see if he's flopped down in the bushes . OK I will , out I go picking up the sticks and on my way , I get to the spot "No pins or blood but I can see the strike ahh a clean miss cool . A few steps back and a look left I see Sign of a running deer but skids on the right front a bit like a kid speed skating in the snow ???? Bells start ringing and I set off tracking this speed skating deer's tracks 150 yrds up just off to the right a fallow pops up 15 feet away and was off ? but like a jumping gate understanding i'v got a deer with a busted front right leg I dropped the sticks and took a shot as he run and the poor feller dropped within a few more yds. On inspection id dropped a very easy midline shot and snapped this lads leg and chipped the other one :doh: . Iam so glad that the little chap on my shoulder pushed me into looking and not letting a miss just pass on by ?. I'd have hated to have found out my actions had left a deer die an awful death at my hands .
Thanks to Mr Reasoning .
Shat happens but its worth looking and not waving it off .
:tiphat:
Click to expand...
Weird isn’t it….you sometimes convince yourself you’ve hit/or not only to find evidence of something else when you actually have a look at the strike site. I am poor at discerning the wet thump of a strike, whilst my shooting buddy is really good at it. I’ve learnt to always go have a look if in doubt. Thermal is a great help too.
 
Uncle Norm said:
Out this morning, well before dawn, in a beautiful piece of Norfolk woodland. Trusty .260 Sako 75 on my shoulder and Ruby my labrador at heel.
We started to make our way to a high seat, but as the light came up, I managed to stalk and bag a Roe doe.

Once settled in the high seat, the woodland wildlife continued its early morning business around me.

I saw a Muntjac buck at a range of about 120 yards, rooting amongst the carpet of fallen leaves. I knew from my thermal that another was present, but couldn't see it.
After some time it presented a broadside shot, which I took. No 'thump' heard and the sight of the raised white tail flag exiting towards the Rhododendrons, made me think that I had missed.
After about an hour, I decided to get down from the high seat to deal with the Roe carcass. Remembering past incidents, I thought I had better go check the area where the Muntjac had been. More in hope than expectation as I was pretty sure I had missed it.

As we got to the spot, Ruby was having a mooch round, off the lead. The woodland floor is clear until one gets to the Rhodo, so I could see that the Muntjac was not lying there.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Ruby with her nose glued to the ground. I just watched her as she 'sorted it out' with a couple of casts, before setting off with her nose to the ground.
She is nearly ten and very experienced, so that could mean only one thing........ she had found the strike site and a line.

Ruby went about forty yards in a right-hand arc before stopping for a good sniff or three. I knew she had made a find. Sure enough it was my 'missed' Muntjac buck.:rolleyes::doh:.

A trained dog is a priceless companion that any amount of technology can't replace.

So this evening, I once again raised a glass to George @Wolverine, who long ago, set Ruby and I on this partnership. :tiphat:
Click to expand...
Known George probably a dozen years, good sort an always willing to help if he can.
 
Uncle Norm said:
Out this morning, well before dawn, in a beautiful piece of Norfolk woodland. Trusty .260 Sako 75 on my shoulder and Ruby my labrador at heel.
We started to make our way to a high seat, but as the light came up, I managed to stalk and bag a Roe doe.

Once settled in the high seat, the woodland wildlife continued its early morning business around me.

I saw a Muntjac buck at a range of about 120 yards, rooting amongst the carpet of fallen leaves. I knew from my thermal that another was present, but couldn't see it.
After some time it presented a broadside shot, which I took. No 'thump' heard and the sight of the raised white tail flag exiting towards the Rhododendrons, made me think that I had missed.
After about an hour, I decided to get down from the high seat to deal with the Roe carcass. Remembering past incidents, I thought I had better go check the area where the Muntjac had been. More in hope than expectation as I was pretty sure I had missed it.

As we got to the spot, Ruby was having a mooch round, off the lead. The woodland floor is clear until one gets to the Rhodo, so I could see that the Muntjac was not lying there.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Ruby with her nose glued to the ground. I just watched her as she 'sorted it out' with a couple of casts, before setting off with her nose to the ground.
She is nearly ten and very experienced, so that could mean only one thing........ she had found the strike site and a line.

Ruby went about forty yards in a right-hand arc before stopping for a good sniff or three. I knew she had made a find. Sure enough it was my 'missed' Muntjac buck.:rolleyes::doh:.

A trained dog is a priceless companion that any amount of technology can't replace.

So this evening, I once again raised a glass to George @Wolverine, who long ago, set Ruby and I on this partnership. :tiphat:
Click to expand...
You were lucky, my lab would not follow a Munty trail. Shot a Munty which went down/up and took off. Got her on it but no interest, however once in the trees searching for blood a Roe came along and paid the price. Short run no probs dog spot on. Eventually found Munty using odd spots of blood, 150 yds with no lungs after .308 took them away. Dogs are even stranger than humans in some cases.
 
Had one in the last couple of months. First test of copper non toxic 308w on live quarry. A fallow doe around 130 yards. Steady shot from sticks, took the shot. No sound of a solid strike and it took off and disappeared into the wood. I reloaded and waited 10 minutes then walked to the shot site , marked it and looked for sign of a hit, blood, hair but nothing. I walked in the direction the beast had headed for and looked all over but couldnt find anything. I was starting to wonder if I had missed it completely. I called a stalker with a dog and he turned up with another stalker. We walked 3 inline into the wood and I found the doe myself, stone dead with a heart / lung shot in a hollow in the ground. I will be monitoring the performance of my current choice of ammo closely over the season.
 
Ratel said:
You were lucky, my lab would not follow a Munty trail. Shot a Munty which went down/up and took off. Got her on it but no interest, however once in the trees searching for blood a Roe came along and paid the price. Short run no probs dog spot on. Eventually found Munty using odd spots of blood, 150 yds with no lungs after .308 took them away. Dogs are even stranger than humans in some cases.
Click to expand...
I trained Ruby with fresh Muntjac skins, blood and chopped heart, which is probably why she is enthusiastic about them. When I gralloch a Muntjac, she watches, salivating, knowing that she gets the heart as a reward. Labrador..... food..... you know how it is. :)
Free range rob said:
I’ve found very similiar and always “got by” with one of mine, but got a pup I’m bringing on and spending time getting her the feel for the job and soon be spending some time with a guy who trains tracking dogs, am sure the dog will be fine, it’s me who needs training 👍
Click to expand...
Good luck with your pup. Enjoy your journey together. :tiphat: :thumb:. My motto has been all encouragement and reward....... no punishment. Ruby has never had a slap in her life.
 
Last edited:
Great write up Uncle Norm And good to hear Ruby is still going strong like yourself.

You can’t bet an old dog, they know there stuff and you know how to read them. I was working Willow the other day, and I suspected/ she was heel tracking a fallow (oh the joys of shooting copper), so I took her back to the strike and she started tracking and could tell she was on a blood trail. after the track I went back and worked out she was going from one micro dot of blood to the next.
It’s hard work when you have to go back to a young pup!

Happy Xmas,
 
Uncle Norm said:
I trained Ruby with fresh Muntjac skins, blood and chopped heart, which is probably why she is enthusiastic about them. When I gralloch a Muntjac, she watches, salivating, knowing that she gets the heart as a reward. Labrador..... food..... you know how it is. :)

Good luck with your pup. Enjoy your journey together. :tiphat: :thumb:. My motto has been all encouragement and reward....... no punishment. Ruby has never had a slap in her life.
Click to expand...
I’m loving spending time out with her and watching her learn and pick up on what we’re doing and why.
Started right there is no need to beat a dog to get them to do what you want, better to have them ‘want’ to please you than doing it through fear
 
Uncle Norm said:
With the larger species, perhaps so.
However a 120 yard Muntjac, moving about in search of food on the forest floor, is not difficult to miss at all. :-|
They are active little creatures, always on the move and only the size of a Spaniel.
Anyone who stalks them regularly will know exactly what I mean.:tiphat:
Click to expand...
Yeah , but how many truly are clean misses? My point ! Experience says most don't take the time to check well enough or have a dog available.
 
Uncle Norm said:
Out this morning, well before dawn, in a beautiful piece of Norfolk woodland. Trusty .260 Sako 75 on my shoulder and Ruby my labrador at heel.
We started to make our way to a high seat, but as the light came up, I managed to stalk and bag a Roe doe.

Once settled in the high seat, the woodland wildlife continued its early morning business around me.

I saw a Muntjac buck at a range of about 120 yards, rooting amongst the carpet of fallen leaves. I knew from my thermal that another was present, but couldn't see it.
After some time it presented a broadside shot, which I took. No 'thump' heard and the sight of the raised white tail flag exiting towards the Rhododendrons, made me think that I had missed.
After about an hour, I decided to get down from the high seat to deal with the Roe carcass. Remembering past incidents, I thought I had better go check the area where the Muntjac had been. More in hope than expectation as I was pretty sure I had missed it.

As we got to the spot, Ruby was having a mooch round, off the lead. The woodland floor is clear until one gets to the Rhodo, so I could see that the Muntjac was not lying there.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Ruby with her nose glued to the ground. I just watched her as she 'sorted it out' with a couple of casts, before setting off with her nose to the ground.
She is nearly ten and very experienced, so that could mean only one thing........ she had found the strike site and a line.

Ruby went about forty yards in a right-hand arc before stopping for a good sniff or three. I knew she had made a find. Sure enough it was my 'missed' Muntjac buck.:rolleyes::doh:.

A trained dog is a priceless companion that any amount of technology can't replace.

So this evening, I once again raised a glass to George @Wolverine, who long ago, set Ruby and I on this partnership. :tiphat:
Click to expand...
So where was your strike on the beast?

BC.
 
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