At about 100P today and despite the wind, I decided that I was going to take the ML out to my spot that I hadn't hunted in since October. The woods were active early with about 1,000 squirrels. At about ten of 5, I saw antlers and threw the scope up to see a possible 9 or 10-point buck working my direction. He started to come broadside at about 45 yards and then decided to stop. Without hesitation, he started to angle off away from me and as he stepped into a small opening, I let out a "bah" and got him to lock up right before I pulled the trigger. Couldn't see through the smoke at first, but heard him and then saw his tail take off. He ran a total of about 20 yards, fell within sight, and expired in about 15 seconds. My .45 Shockwaves hit him perfect, nailing both lungs and expanding nicely upon impact. Finally, Hammy gets on the board this year.

Good deal Hammy, congratulations. Any pics ?

Awesome dude. That is the encouragement I needed to make at least one more trip out with the muzzleloader this year. Definately post some pics.

Good job. I took the week off and did not see a single deer. I'm glad that you could find one...and a buck at that! Congrats.

Unfortunately no. [:@] I don't have a digi cam here and by the time I got back last night, it was too dark for the cell phone camera. I would've snapped one or two this morning, but was in a rush to get to the only butcher I could find open on Christmas Eve by 9AM. I did have the rack cut off and might just post a picture of that. He wasn't huge, but for my first inline ML tag, I'll take it! After the holidays, I WILL be purchasing a digital camera so that I have it with me in the field as I hate truck bed pics. Good luck to everyone else this week!

Oh and I am super excited now. I am trying to get out as often as I can this week with the ML (all afternoons probably), while taking a friend out to teach him the ropes. once January hits, its back to the bow until the season is over.

[:@]Been out the last two weekends, haven't seen hide nor hair of a deer yet, lots of squirrels and red foxes, even a skunk, but NO deer. I've been on private land with abundant food. Going to try and get out this week, at least a few hours, before work and then again on Saturday.

yep another 4 hours wasted in a stand Not really, I wasnt at work I think the tunnels the deer dug this year are really paying off for them!

So do you all think my time tomorrow would be better spend small gaming in the morning then deer in the afternoon?

it depends, my woods is (usually) great in the morning and horrible in the afternoon. My friend who hunts 2 miles from me never sees deer in the morning and strictly hunts the evening.

mossy33oakwhere are your woods at? My place is erratic, one day see them in the am the next the pm or not at all.