Today I went hunting with a friend on some farmland. I had the option of hunting over a feeder and getting a deer, which I would never do, or hunting a deer fair. I am glad I picked number two.

I got in my stand at about 2:45 PM. I saw about 4 dead deer on the highway on the way up. I was hoping that was a sign. I heard "foot steps" as soon as I got up in my tree. I could only get about 12' up. I picked my bow up and looked in the direction of the noise. It was only leaves.

At about 3:30 PM I saw 2 turkey. One of them ran across the field, and the other one stayed. I took out my binoculars and looked at the turkey. It had a nice sized beard.

At about 4:15 I heard leaves and sticks breaking. I was so excited! I was shaking so bad! My heart almost fell on the ground. I just about fell out of my treestand when I stood up! After about a minute of this I saw a deer's head! This was the first time I ever saw a deer while hunting! I am pretty sure it was a doe, but it could have been a button buck.

I watched this deer for a few minutes then it started walking away. I decided to look around and see if there were any other deer in the area. I didn't think there would be any. I looked straight out across the field and saw a basket 8 point! MAN! I was so happy! I watched him for about 5 minutes and he left the field. I could hear him walk but never saw him again.

I looked behind me where the other deer had been and heard more foot steps. I saw two more deer! This time it was a mature doe with her baby. I had a clear shot at it. I looked at the two deer and sat back down. I couldn't do it. No way, no how. I could not take that baby's mother away. I know it would have survived but I just couldn't bring myself to it. She stared at me, and I stared back. I wanted to take the shot so bad but didn't have it in me. She stomped and took off. I swear she looked back as if to say thank you. Then her and her baby left for good.

I glanced out in the field and saw another definite buck and 3 other deer. I got down after sunset.

I did not get a shot off, but it was a ton of fun. I hope to see some more this weekend!
This is the first time I saw anything while hunting. I was wearing my ASAT pants with a Mossy Oak jacket. I guess the ASAT warranty is voided!

Congratulations!!

How long you been hunting?

aww come on now zak! lol jus givin ya crap. its exciting hunting and not even killing n e thing isnt it? thats what its all about.

This is my first year. I have been hunting about 60 hours this year. The problem is my location. There are dump trucks running up and down the roads daily. Plus the winter was warm.

How far off of the feeder were you located?

I was far away from it. The deer were not even affected by it. I made sure not to be illegal.

I love that feeling, it still happens every time I see an animal. Good luck and keep up the good work.

congrats, it sure is a good feeling when you make the right choice and the deer show up just like planned isn't it? Are you gunna get out any more this season??

Dude, no offense but I thought I read here before, that you had progressed to trad bows from compounds, but now it's your first sighting of a deer out of your stand? What gives? Am i wrong?

Glad you had a good time ,thats what matters