Didn't go yesterday she was nasty in the am and very slippery so deceided I'd work like a banshee and take a sick day today instead. Well you could not have asked for a better morning -7 c, w N at 15 and very low ceiling so she started verydim until past sunrise. I figured after the storm and crappy weather deer would be on the move, I was right but not the Mulies for whatever reason theyweren't moving. Back where I have been spending the majority of time and had the near bumper deer, after not seeing a mulie still hunting was on the menu. A little recap/history: in my recon trips I had come to the conclusion that the mule deer were travelling in the thickets from S to N (using the ridgeline of the creek) then head mostly E to alfalfa fields that are tucked into a hidden corner. I formulated this plan in my brain with a N wind I could sneak along the creek ridgeline from the SW and hopefully intersect them while travelling from the NE to thisS pocket they tend to hang in(the nasty stuff I mentioned prior). Needless to say it worked but the final picture wasn't what I invisioned in my plan or head. I intercepted them a group with 2 bucks the wide 4 typical and a high junk head, watched them working thier way along the small pockets of brush and got to a spot where if they went came to the SW they'd be in very close proximity, but if they went lateral or basically W they would be a little further. I found a little scruff and if the god lord didn't allow a perfect rest with a nice forked willow tree. I did a quick range find and the lateral if they remained on this property was 219 yards to the posts. Not a problem I have practiced to 200 yards and beyond a knew what to expect for my setup. They are just milling, stopping and grazing nothing but time it was really just like the shows. They keep going lateral so I know my shot will be 200 ish and have deceided I am taking junk all the way (he is trailing the group by a10-20 yards), he is just about at the post I LRF'don a walk and I give him a fawn bawl.He stops and perfect broadside, the crosshairs are placed just on the crease of his shoulder and top lung - solid as i ever remember them beingand I gently squeeze...Boom. He reacts at the noise but then stops, I commense to cram another down the throat of the Muzzy and they had enoughand bound off. I keep an eye on him for as long as visible I really notice no effects that would tell me he was hit, I walk over check the spot, follow the tracks and find nothing. I am kicking my arse for missing but something just doesn't add up, how could have I missed the replay in my mind is clear and their is no way in heck that "I" clean cut missed that deer. I deceide to come back early and head to the range just to double check, here is what I print on the paper at 100 yards:
#1) + 9 1/2" / 1 1/4" L
#2) + 6" DOC
#3) + 1"/ 8" L
NO adjustments as I haven't verified a group yet

25 yards
#1) DOC +3"
#2) shade left +1
#3) shade R+2

Conclusion: Zeiss scope goes sour at the worst possible time![:@] I never had time to try a different scope so not sending it back yet but with the scope off at 25 yards it put 2 into the same hole with irons...so i am pretty sure its the scope. Literrally sick to the stomach but it could have been worse I suppose like a gut shot and/or lost buck. I have my remington as backup(all sighted in)and my partner is coming by in a few with his savage but haven't deceided if I should head back or just say Foock it for awhile!!!

Sorry wish it could have been better and with a pic ofa mulie attatched but just as much a part of the hunt is the failures we endure.

T/Cfellas. Maybe I will gojust never know what may happen!! Plus I hate feeling bummed out when it is still hunting season[8D]