Well, PA's deer season ended today at sunset with the closing of the late Flintlock season. Anywho, about 17 minutes until the end I had a SMALL deer come out into the soybean field I was watching. He kept working closer and I just couldn't believe how tiny he was. I didn't have an antlerless tag, only my general tag which I could tag either a buck or doe with, but I was hoping for a buck. At 5:00pm, 10 minutes until the end, the little tike turned broadside in an opening 15 yds out and, having the gut feeling this little guy wasn't going to make it through the winter, I squeezed off a shot. A flash, a boom andjolt later, he was high tailing it 80 yds and piled up. When I got up to him, I noticed a wound in his rear leg...I'm pretty sure he wouldn't have made it through the winter. He weighed 55# field dressed, when he should have been around 100# or so. After missing two earlier in the season with my ML, I'm just happy to put one in the freezer with my smokepole.
Congratulations on taking a deer... no matter the size. Its a good thing that you were able to dispatch the deer as with that wound, should the winter turn hard he would have been coyote food. Better to put him in your freezer. Also those small ones are excellent eating and easy to get out of the woods... On the last day or any day for that matter with the number of deer I saw, I would have dropped it as well.
The one I took was a little bigger, and I used a flintlock. It makes them kind of special. My small deer so far has been excellent table fare...
enjoy your venison and again, 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."
I made deer chili last nightwith meat froma deer that was about 80lbs. I took it ealier in the season with a bow. Those loins and strapswill be some good eatin. Congrats ona fine kill and some good meat in your freezer.
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Jake
I don't promote 'thin skinned' political correctness.
people really do not give those conicals enough credit. Sabots are all fine and good, but you want to knock a hole in something.. hit it with a conical.
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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."
I've been very fortunate these last three years, taking a deer with my flintlock each year, and everytime I'm impressed by the hole left by the conical. They really do a number on them....the entrance hole is usually larger than the exit of a rifle bullet...and the blood trails are very nice.
ORIGINAL: PA Bow/Flinter
When I got up to him, I noticed a wound in his rear leg...I'm pretty sure he wouldn't have made it through the winter.
Congratulations PA Bow/Flinter. And good for you. You righted anothers' wrong. I do hope its the best tasting deer you've ever eaten. You deserve that. Great shot placement, just an all around great harvest, Congratulations.
Last Minute Deer
