Guys,

Well today was the day to get me MZ career kicked off. First let me set the scene:

- I arrived a little late and didn't get into the stand until 7:00 am. 22 degrees, NW wind, hunting in Southern TN, ladder stand over looking a food plot (200 yds L to R and 60 deep). I sat on the southern side, wind inmy face, with 150 yds to my left and 50 yds to my right.

- I was carrying an Encore PH, thumbhole, burris 3x9x40mm ballistic plex, 250 gr SW/HSBS over 110 gr 2f Triple 7.

- Behind me was a pretty step ridge (drop off)...heavily wooded, beyond the food plot was another ridge drop off to a semi-wooded draw, beyond the draw (approx 220 yds) was another ridge (the top of which was approx 275 yds). All distances were confirmed via rangefinder.

- After about an hour I had several doe enter the field to my far left. They kept looking over their shoulders into the woods and after about 15 minutes a 6 ptr emerged. The buck was nice (tall and thick) but was clearly a young buck. Therefore, I decided to take the biggest doe available. The target was approx. 100 yds away quartering towards me...after a lengthy wait and no broadside opportunity, I put the PH to work. The SW entered in front of her left shoulder and exited mid-rib cage on her right side. The exit hole was the size of a quarter (sorry I left the camera at home). When the smoke cleared I saw her skidding and floppingon her back...she managed to gain her feet (atleast the rear gear) for about 15 yards but was spewing blood every where. She weighted 110 lbs.

-Well, after I shot deer scatteredto my left (back the woods from which they came) and up the next draw. Here is where I became so impressed with the 4-in-1 TC speed loader. I had the PH reloaded in notime at all.

-I sat for about 15-20 minutes and noticed a deer to my left and slightly behind me. The deer was in the woods quartering away from the field (deeper into the woods) and going downhill. At 50 yds I got a good look at the deer through the scope (I had lowered to 3 power)...upon entering the clearing (between trees) I saw the antlers, found the front left shoulder and squeezed. When the smoke cleared I looked and listened for a running deer...saw nothing but white belly. Maybe three kicks and he expired. High shoulder shot that penciledstraight through. He weighed 183 lbs.

Here are a couple of pictures (I'm not going to mount him but brought this home for photos and to show my four kids).


Hammer