My first year "seriously" hunting
 

I have hunted my whole life, off and on, but never consistently enough to do anything. I have always been more of a fisherman. However, I caught the bug last year towards the end of the season. So this year was my first year really going every chance I got and this was the result. My first deer ever was the spike, then I got the doe. Also shot another doe not pictured. Three deer isn't that bad I guess. Also pictured is the hind quarters hanging from the spike, some jerky in the making, and grilled backstraps! This will also be my second year turkey hunting, although I only went one weekend last year. We'll soon see what's in store for me there! I am hooked. I watch only hunting/fishing shows on tv, read only hunting/fishing magazines, and think only about hunting/fishing!

Just before anyone says anything.....the spike was shot back home on our land, only 26 acres. Impossible to manage and whatever you shoot is more than likely transient anyways. Nothing (doe or buck) has been shot there in 3 years and I had the shot at the spike and I took it. It was the only deer killed this year. So while I normally wouldn't, I shot him this time. All deer were shot with my century arms .308 with a mauser stock.

Congratulations on some very Nice looking Deer! What Caliber Rifle are You using?

You beat me to writing a question....thanks for the quick/fast answer MRl0004. ;)


Sounds like You did a lot of Hunting and really earned those Deer! :) ;)

Yea, I have the 26 acres back home (2 food plots the size of a parking space), I hunt with my gf's dad in Mississippi (~500 acres, 20 football field size food plots), and my buddy who lives in Auburn has around 500 acres with some nice plots. As I mentioned, the spike was shot at home. The doe was shot in Auburn. I don't hunt MS usually except at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The few times I was there this year I saw a 3 point and a long cowhorn spike, and tons of does. However, they manage well there so we let the young bucks pass and hoped the does would be live decoys. However, my gf's dad shot an 11 point the week after I left in the exact shooting house I was hunting in. I guess he's put in a lot more sweat equity than me and deserved it more though. Maybe next year......

Sounds like you had a lot of fun, and that is what it is all about!!!!, Great pictures, (although it made me a bit hungry). Just wondering, can you guys hunt in "Camo" clothes? wishing you continued success, Doc

Thanks. What do you mean can we hunt in camo clothes? I guess that one went over my head.....

I think he was wondering if orange is required to rifle hunt.

Oh! We are required to have 144 square inches of hunters' blaze orange. I usually have a hat I wear to and from the stand but I took it off for the pic.

Nice
 

Glad you had an enjoyable season. Now if we could just do something about that nausea inducing orange and blue. Haha, Roll Tide.

Totally agree with the orange and blue statement!
 

It was also my 1st yr really bone collecting. Killed my 1st deer on 1 st hunt within 25 minutes of stepping into woods. Was a 4pt, only prob was he broke antlers off while running into creek bed.

Don't feel you have to justify shooting a spike. If it is legal, that is all that matters. If you want to hold out for a bigger buck that's fine, too. While some people are exclusive trophy hunters, your spike filled the freezer better than the elusive trophy buck that never appeared.

congrats on you first deer (or 3) lol

I remember when I got the hunting bug, wait I still have it. Congrats on your deer, anytime you can bring home meat for the table it is something to be proud of. My wife was really happy last season with me I shot 7 deer and none were bucks. (more meat for her and no taxidermy bill)
Good luck next season.

Thanks guys! Even you roll tiders. I am itching to get out there and shoot something now! My only choices are coyotes, wild hogs, rabbits or squirrels......until turkey season. However I don't have the time or the funds to travel right away. Maybe toward the end of the month.

Careful Brian,,, Careful

We are wide open on the furry tailed rats right now. When is coyote/predator season open to and from? Would love to try coyote hunting!

I don't think it's ever closed

Nice deer man, congrats! Thats what its all about, you hunted hard & were
rewarded. Enjoy.......Good luck chasing them turkey. Let us know how you do.
Dan.

It's definately addicting, have fun!