This is my 4th or 5th year (can't remember) hunting the BP season now and have yet to take a deer ......... until today! Nothing to really brag about, however, this nice size spike snuck in from behind me this morning. I never heard him and when I saw him he was 60 yards out and feeding at an angle directly toward the back of my stand. I turned around and shouldered my Black Diamond and watched it close the gap. The ladder stand I was hunting is in a pretty thick part of the woods and shooting lanes are limited. I almost pulled the trigger a couple of times, however, didn't feel comfortable with the shot. I knew if the deer crossed the back of my stand I would be done and not have a shot opportunity. I picked a spot between two trees where I thought he would walk that had about a 10" gap to shoot through. The spike walked to the spot and I let out a the classic "Maaah" and he stopped and at 35 yards I pulled the trigger and sent a 240gr XTP at him powered by 2 50 gr 777 pellets. When the smoke cleared I didn't see the deer on the ground (which I thought I would see) and began to panic. I looked around and the spike was standing about 5 yards from where I shot him and I just knew I had missed. Then he started to walk off and I noticed blood pumping out of the hole I put in him. He ended up walking another 5 yards and and fell and was out for the count in about 30 seconds!!! Ended up I took out the bottom of his heart. I know he is just a spike, however, I'm pretty stoked on my first BP deer!
Just a spike? Well, yeah... I'd have shot him, too. Congrats. Grind everything but the backstraps, tenderloin, & a little of the hams into burger/sausage. I'm having venison sausage pasta at this very moment.. mmm ..m m..m.m.m.m
Since the shot was so close I went for a low lung shot and thought I may get lucky and catch theheart as a bonus. I figured worse case scenario I hit a little high and blast out both lungs. All my buddies keep swearing by neck shots. I thought about it, however, think I rather aim behind the shoulder any day.
The pics above are the exit hole. Here is the entrance.
Since the shot was so close I went for a low lung shot and thought I may get lucky and catch theheart as a bonus. I figured worse case scenario I hit a little high and blast out both lungs. All my buddies keep swearing by neck shots. I thought about it, however, think I rather aim behind the shoulder any day.
You picked the "best" shot IMHO. Congratulations. Just doesn't get any better than that. Plan to take the ML out for rifle season?
Not directed at me, but I'll chimie in... yes. Iuse ML all season (we're in gun season now). Sold last centerfire three years ago. But I'm really, really getting the itch for a Marlin 336.
That's a nice fat spike buck you got there. Looks like you will be eating well. Those black diamonds are shooters for sure. That's a good shot you made. Congratulations.
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"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, a total wreck, screaming Yahoo, with a big smile on your face."
Finally got my first BP deer!
