Short version: I shot a doe saturday just before dark, found her sunday morning.
Long version: I had been sittin in my stand since about noon, it was about 25 degrees and windy out, a dusting of snow on the ground. Legal hunting hours were over at 4:40, and i checked my phone, 4:38, and looked up to see a chunk of brown move into the end of my shooting lane. I knew right away it was a deer, and this was the moment i had been waiting for. I brought up my gun and saw 2 yearlings walking towards me and a big doe behind them, standing perfectly broadside looking in my direction. Being that it was so late and she was lookin my way i didnt waste any time clicking off the safety and settling the crosshairs behind her shoulder. I knew there were a few branches between me and her, and i mean like 1 or 2 twigs, but i didnt think i would have another shot. I squeezed the trigger and she took off along with one of the yearlings. i had 2 antlerless tags, so i loaded another shell, but it took off before i could shoot again. during that time, another deer, a very big deer, took off with the others, and they all headed towards a small swamp. It was no more than 20 seconds from the time i first saw the flash of brown and when i pulled the trigger and it was all over, or so i thought. I knew i didnt drop her, obviously, but when i went down to where she was standing i was hoping to find some blood or hair, or something, but to no avail. I backed out and came back about 45 minutes later with a couple more guys, flashlights, and lanterns. At one point i caught a set of tracks and followed them into the swamp, but they got mixed with some others, so i marked the spot and made the call to back out until morning. I was beginning to question my shot. After a long night of tossing and turning, and i actually had a dream i hit a stick wheni shot. Because i was up so late wondering, i didnt wake up until 9, and quickly got dressed and headed back to the scene of the hunt. I looked for a while and didnt find any blood, so i set out for a grid search in the swamp, and after the 3rd pass, i walked right up on her. I was no more than 5 yards from her where i marked the branch with the tape. She dressed out to 120 lbs. Hope the story wasnt too long, hope you all had/have a safe and happy season.
Take a look at the white marks on her feet just above her hooves, this is the first time i've noticed this, anybody seen this before? it was identical on all of her hooves.
Longest quick hunt of my life! SUCCESS!
