I remember Tuesday Sept. 12th like it was yesterday. I was settling in for my first evening hunt near my honey hole......and our archery season was 4 days old. I also remember coming onto the internet the morning of the 13th and baring my soul about wounding and possibly killing a deer that I didn't recover. I remember some kind and some not so kind responses I got regarding that encounter (and my actions were NOT without fault. If you've got a great buck at 12 yds quartering away and you don't seal the deal.....you've FAILED. I failed.).

I was on stand Friday evening and heard something approaching from behind and beneath me. I couldn't turn too quickly.....but when I did get turned around.....I had a beautiful sight to see. There was NO mistaking that broad, grey back and the full rack of this deer. It was like Deja Vu.....and I was thrilled to see him. Immediately he offered a shot at about 4 yds.....but the angle was so steep....I thought better of the attempt. He moved to ZERO yds....and was directly underneath.....and he looked up. He looked back down and walked forward.....but I knew he'd gotten my scent from where I'd laid my gear down at the base of my tree. he looked up again.....and then sauntered directly away from me. I grunted him to a stop at 20 yds.....and he blew and jumped forard another 20 yds before stopping. he stood there for 10 minutes.....never figuring out JUST what was up. He then walked away.

I had one of my prayers answered, Friday. I got to lay eyes on him, again.

Jeff

I'll bet that made your season

Thats cool SB. I am glad for you and for the deer too. It brings to mind a verse of scripture that talks about man..... " for there is none among you who is perfect, no not one" , but we can try and with our heart in the right place, sometimes things work out. I'm happy for ya brother.

God Bless.

SB......how awesome. I'm happy for you. I'm sure that is a great relief. Makes for a good season.

I appreciate the replies. I know someone out there has felt the same feelings. I had some sleepless moments STILL knowing how that deer laid in its bed that night....and the ensuing nights after I wounded him (although looking back....I'm sure it was a flesh wound).

He is a magnificent animal. He is absolutely beautiful.

Jeff

great story. Maybe you can give him some food to help him recover and make it through the winter if you don't get another opportunity

SB, thats great to hear. I had a simular thing happen to me about 6 years ago.
I shot a buck and couldn't find him. About a month later I see him walking in the
woods. He had a little limp but seemed to be o.k. It was a great feeling knowing
I didn't kill him and him go to waste.

Salty:

I feed the deer here all year long. I don't hunt over it.....but I like it being there for them....just as a treat. It's not NEARLY enough to sustain the herd.....but I feel good that they get to snack, on me.

Jeff

Nice...that's good to hear!

That's a great story with a happy ending, SB. Really glad to hear that he recovered.