I didn't have alot of time to hunt MN deer this year buta long weekend offered a chance to get together at my sister/brother in law's farm and hunt deer. There were two of my brothers, nephew, and one of my hunting partners (Jeff). We hunted a non motorized area and scouted Friday for the weekend's hunt. Found an area way back in that looked promising. It was a special earn a buck area so we had to take a doe first. Jeff and I had setup our stand and then decided to slip into another area that first morning after my brother had seen a big 10 and two 8 pointers. I went back in and found a place to sit down before first light. Shortly after dawn, I heard a a series of grunts in the thick brush and he shot into sight briefly as he lunged after a doe. I heard him snort wheeze which I have only heard one other time while hunting. I couldn't see her but I did get a look at his long white tines and he looked big. I was hoping the doe would come out in the open but they winded me before that happened and off they went. If I'd have been in my climber...maybe a different outcome. That's hunting for ya.

Later that morning, we went into our stands for the afternoon/evening hunt. I dropped Jeff off and went another 25 minutes to my stand. I saw 3 bucks that afternoon but still no does. The next morning I was just climbing the tree when a deer busted thru the swamp behind me. Then it got really windy and no deer all morning. I checked in with Jeff at noon and he had one doe down. Since we were party hunting that meant a green light for buck hunting. Around 1pm, I heard those familiar footsteps to my left and it sounded like it was coming right up to my stand. I froze and let the deer come to my left. I turned to look only to see him turn and jump into the swamp edge as I rose to get him in the scope. No shot as I waited too long to get on him. He disappeared into the swamp brush and I thought I'd blown it. I quickly got the primos can out and hit it with 4 doe bleats. Then waited a few minutes and did two more series. Not sure how long it was but with the wind dying down, it enabled me to hear the footsteps out in front of me. There he was!! Head up and looking for that doe. I waited until he slipped behind a clump of trees and pulled up the Ruger 7mm. He must have caught some movement as he came to a stop behind a tree. I rested the crosshair in front of him and waited. I could see his head turning back and forth and then he stepped out. One shot and he tumbled forward and came to rest at the edge of the swamp. I was pretty excited...not because of his size as I've taken bigger but just being there with my family and buddy Jeff. Then to go from thinking I'd blown the opportunity and then calling him back in. What a day!! My brother in law took a big heavy 6 pointer and my brother took an 8 pointer and a doe. It was just a real nice weekend with a big feast late Saturday night. Here are some pix and I wish I'd taken more...

2006 Buck


My brother Jim showed up to help haul out the deer. Jeff took 2 does and I had the buck and doe. Just bought this mag hauler and it worked just fine. We had about 500 lbs on it although when this was taken I was dragging one of the does via safety harness.


Here is my brother and I at the end of the trail and I'm pretty happy after about 3 miles of hauling deer!! Ya, I know. I'm not wearing any pants. Caught grief for that already. They are actually Mountain bike tights and since I sweat so much I don't overheat when walking to and from my stand.

congrats!! im sure i would be smiling after dragging them brutes outta the woods 3 miles. keep shootin' straight.