HuntingNet.com Forums - 1st deer with the Hawken

This last week was a most memorable week in this hunting season. On Thursday and Friday I took my daughters hunting and unfortunately all we seen was bucks and I only had my 2 supplemental (doe tags) left. They had fun and enjoyed seeing the animals though they where disappointed that I didn't shoot one.
Today I woke up early and went back to my little honey hole, I started hunting right at first light at 0745 hrs.. As I walked into the field I saw 2 deer at the far end, boy this will be an early day I thought! I closed the gap to about 500 yds before putting the glasses on them, Damn more bucks.

As I watched I seen a smaller (140 or so) 4x4 and then I saw the big boy again. I ended up watching him till 0820 and in that time through 10x optics I noticed the tall G1 and G2 tines, the width ( 4+ inches past his ears) and the heavy main beam. WOW what a deer! I guess it is hard to tag a big one when your tag is already on a smaller deer. During this time a small 3 point entered the seen but quickly left.

After they left I headed into the bush and started still hunting. Going was slow due to the noisy snow conditions but at 1030 hrs I shot a yearling doe with my Hawken. The shot was a mere 6yrds but it turned out to be a poor neck shot and I had to take a final shot that finished her off. You would think I would learn that when you shoot something in thick jungle, in the middle of the bush that you eventually have to haul it out of there... OH well I guess I am not that bright!

Though this season is over for me I have a 3 day deer hunt at Camp Wainwright that allows 2 animals and maybe I will be able to tag Mr Big there. I guided two friends and saw their success. I saw Mark Feist shoot his respectable buck (175 class) and I seen Dick Wirges (165) shoot his nice 5x5 so I guess it in now my turn.

Thanks to everyone on this forum for answering my questions and helping get me started in this aspect of hunting.

Eric