texashuntingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
TraeMartin, Beatixre, MooseSteed, Trappernewt, casyoo
71987 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
dogcatcher 110,788
bill oxner 91,416
SnakeWrangler 65,413
stxranchman 60,296
Gravytrain 46,950
RKHarm24 44,585
rifleman 44,461
Stub 43,764
Forum Statistics
Forums46
Topics536,986
Posts9,719,147
Members86,987
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
Print Thread
Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 4
My first deer with a crossbow (long read) #5391531 11/01/14 12:19 AM
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
S
stxranchman Offline OP
Obie Juan Kenobi
OP Offline
Obie Juan Kenobi
S
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
I have not had a chance to hunt with a bow or my crossbow in a couple of years. Last bow buck was in 2002 when I took 2 Hill Country 10 points in a 7 day period. I always decide to pick one buck in August to go after and this year I picked a tough one. I knew it would be tough just by posture and how this buck interacted with other deer. He would be the last deer in to a feeder and anything moved or fluttered or ran he would back out then might come back in. He was on edge every time I seen him
I went out in August a couple of mornings and finally caught him coming in late to protein and corn feeder. This is when I realized how edgy he was. He heard the shutter click at 100 yards stopped, starred me down then turned and left. He never went to the feeder.


I knew from those pics and past history he was a mature buck. Just could not make my mind up on his spread. So I waited till September and went back the first morning of bow season. Wind was wrong to hunt a haybale blind I had built and put up. He went to feed pen and never close to haybale blind. I knew it would be tough. He heard the shutter again at 100 yards or so and got spooky. Felt a little better about his spread but still not sure he was much over 13" from these pics and TC pics.




I picked out this buck to try for with my crossbow for several reason. One he was mature. Two he was narrow and tall, both of which I like. Three he was going to be a challenge. Little did I know how hard it would be. I started a PM thread with txshntr to get his feedback on spread and other things. Those PM total 8 full and started a 9th one.
The first weekend I could not hunt the haybale blind due to wind.(could not shoot from the boxstandd due to size). I finally had wind that was ok to hunt Sunday evening of the first weekend but he was not an evening buck at all. Not many bucks are evening bucks here. So on Monday morning I got into haybale blind at 6 am after corning in front of it. I had deer on corn before daylight. This buck came in at 2 minutes to 7am to my surprise but stayed at 31 yards behind other deer. I had a limit of 25 yard max shot with crossbow due to noise it makes and how edgy this buck was. I thought he would duck the bolt. After 2 minutes the corn feed went off to the south about 125 yards away and he turned to head to it with all bucks in tow. Thus the month long saga began. I would hunt every morning I had a chance and would see him almost every morning I sat for the next 2 weeks at the haybale blind. He would be from 50-135 yards away everytime and not come to corn on the ground. Every buck I had on TC was in front me at one time or another in that period, but him. Closest he got was 40 yards one morning and a bird fluttered or something he saw spooked him and he turned and just walked off. He was at corn and protein feeder every time I saw him.
After 2 weeks of this I decided I needed a new brush blind or a tripod. I looked around and found one decent oak tree within 18 yards of the corn feeder in the pen and it was in a great place for E or SE or NE winds. So I put it up on a Saturday afternoon and told txshntr I will either kill him in the morning the first time in or he or some other buck will bust me. Well the next morning he was at 70 yards with two other bucks already in the feed pen and a cardinal decided to flutter and land in front of me on a limb. Well the older buck in the pen happened to look up at the same time and saw me I guess. He blew and turned inside out and I think the 10 point must have finally stopped at Bayside cause I did not see him for 2 days.
Over the next week I got good winds later on and decided to sit at tripod. Well he was a no show the first morning at corn feeder but seen him leave the haybale blind area. Samething the next morning. So I finally knew he was haybale blind on corn. I sat there the next morning and he came out from downwind behind me at 80 yards and I think caught my scent. He did not hang around long but was not to spooked, just walked off. Winds were wrong for a couple of days so I did not hunt.
Later in the week last week on Friday morning I was in the haybale blind and he came in way early. I could see his silhouette in binos way before daylight. At first hint of light he turned and walked off and when corn feeder went off he went to it. Had a youth hunter out over the weekend so I did not hunt all weekend.
From Monday morning till Thursday morning I had him in front me every morning but it was before shooting light and if anything spooked him, he was gone. He did come back in a couple of times but would then head to corn feeder when it went off. He was from 19 yards to 26 yards a lot of times. Problem was there would be 7-9 other bucks in small area with him. He would either be angled to me or standing away from when nothing was around him. If he was broadside it was either not enough light to see crosshairs or he had bucks in front or behind him in the way. If that wasn't enough if any dove flew or a deer ran at another deer it would spook him and he would take a few steps back and survey the area. He might return or just walk off then head to corn and protein feeder. I had the safety off almost every day just could not get a clear shot. Every other buck would eat corn within 15-25 yards and never paid much attention to anything but the corn feeder. Then they left to got to eat corn and protein.
This morning I woke to rain at 4:30. I was making a point to head to blind so I would be sitting at 6:30 which is the latest I got in. I was hoping to push the bucks back on their time so they would be in shooting light. I got in the stand and it was thundering with lightening. With heavy cloud cover it was really dark. It started to rain and rained till after 7. I had two bucks I could see in binos and could tell neither was him in front of me. Nothing else came in. It was still almost dark when feeder went off at 7:22. Still no more deer till does started heading to feeders. Then a parade bucks started to the feeders with the 10 in middle of the single file group. Not single one came to haybale blind. They all went to feed pen feeders. With that many bucks and does some started to drift back to haybale blind. All the deer left the pen but the 10 point. I was not sure if he snuck out another direction since I can not really see the feeder, only travel to and from it. After about 20 minutes he followed 2 other bucks that were paralleling me and heading NE out about 100 yards from haybale blind. They headed to me and he just kept walking NE. I figured the morning was done this late since only 4 bucks were left in front of me and the rest were heading N or NE. When he got due east of me he turned, stopped and looked at the bucks over by me. He then turned and walked straight in. When he got to 27 yards there was a buck in between me and him. He walked at that buck and he left. He ate corn to 25 yards(which was my comfort zone) and was angling to me. I hate that shot with a bow and won't take it. I was not going to chance it with a crossbow. He then turned his shoulders and head squaring off. I thought I had a clear broadside shot and let the bolt fly. I could hear the bolt hit him but did not see it fly or exit. It had started to really dark again as it was about to rain it looked like. I watched him turn and run due SE then turn to angle NE and he was moving. He did not act like he was hit other than tail tucked by the way he was running. He hit one small opening out about 100 yards and started to slow down. I thought he might have stumbled. I waited 20 minutes and got out and checked ground where he was standing for the shoot. Thankfully the rain had the ground soft but the thunder and darkness had me worried about washing away a blood trail. Still not sure of a hit, found his tracks and followed them about 25 yards and found spot here and there of blood. It was on both sides of his tracks so I know I had a pass thru shot, but not sure if he ducked the bolt. At the same time I had not see 2 deer standing NE of that blew and left. I though dummy, back out. I could tell neither of those 2 deer were him but thought they were standing looking at him on the ground. So I waited another 20 minutes. It sprinkled and when it quit I went and look for the bolt and found it. Covered in good blood. Now I felt better, but blood trail was faint but I could follow even in tall grass. I could see a track every now and then in the soft wet soil. I followed to the spot I had seen him from the blind and saw his white belly about 30 yards away.
I was very happy to find him and his a very nice buck for my first buck off of my new place and first crossbow buck.
First pic is where he fell and rest are after I drug him out to take more pics.



I hunted for 35 days for this buck and he proved to be a challenge. I left out a lot of other details of the hunt and encounters with him due to this thread being so long already. In my haste to find buck, get pictures and gut/skin/quarter in the hot temps I did not age this buck but told taxi to save the jaw for me. I know he was mature just not sure since I thought he was either 5 or 7 by his body shape and head. I have seen him for 3 yrs now and have pics of him from the previous 2 yrs. Not my biggest and not my smallest but one of the most memorable hunting experiences I have had. txshntr can attest to it by the PM's roflmao



Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?[Linked Image]
Re: My first deer with a crossbow( long read) [Re: stxranchman] #5391548 11/01/14 12:29 AM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 625
M
Mako My Day Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
M
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 625
Great story, and an awesome buck! cheers

Re: My first deer with a crossbow( long read) [Re: stxranchman] #5391557 11/01/14 12:38 AM
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,950
daniel1381 Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 3,950
very nice deer..great job


"From my cold dead hands"

"Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain - and most fools do."

Benjamin Franklin

Re: My first deer with a crossbow( long read) [Re: stxranchman] #5391586 11/01/14 01:04 AM
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 11,950
kry226 Online Content
The General
Online Content
The General
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 11,950
Great story. Congrats, well deserved. cheers


[Linked Image]
Re: My first deer with a crossbow( long read) [Re: kry226] #5391601 11/01/14 01:14 AM
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 687
H
Hunter_812 Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
H
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 687
Originally Posted By: kry226
Great story. Congrats, well deserved. cheers

Re: My first deer with a crossbow( long read) [Re: stxranchman] #5391602 11/01/14 01:14 AM
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 29,609
S
SapperTitan Offline
Taking Requests
Offline
Taking Requests
S
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 29,609
Great buck congrats

Re: My first deer with a crossbow( long read) [Re: stxranchman] #5391603 11/01/14 01:15 AM
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 35,853
txshntr Online Content
T-Rex Arms
Online Content
T-Rex Arms
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 35,853
Great write up bud. Almost dreaded the day you finally got him and my updates and stories would finally stop. This morning, when I didn't get my update, I had a good feeling he was down. Felt like I was with you through it all and I appreciate the oppurtunity and 8 PMs following this hunt. Great buck and glad you got him before your neighbors did. Even better it was on your own land up

Anxious to see which one of us was right popcorn


[Linked Image][Linked Image][Linked Image]
Re: My first deer with a crossbow( long read) [Re: stxranchman] #5391613 11/01/14 01:22 AM
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 23,613
Payne Online Shocked
Cat Herder
Online Shocked
Cat Herder
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 23,613
Great read and pics stx, congratulations


[Linked Image]
Re: My first deer with a crossbow( long read) [Re: txshntr] #5391614 11/01/14 01:24 AM
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
S
stxranchman Offline OP
Obie Juan Kenobi
OP Offline
Obie Juan Kenobi
S
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
Thanks guys cheers
Originally Posted By: txshntr
Great write up bud. Almost dreaded the day you finally got him and my updates and stories would finally stop. This morning, when I didn't get my update, I had a good feeling he was down. Felt like I was with you through it all and I appreciate the oppurtunity and 8 PMs following this hunt. Great buck and glad you got him before your neighbors did. Even better it was on your own land up

Anxious to see which one of us was right popcorn

I was not to worried if the neighbors did get the buck this weekend. I had plenty of chances to get him, just that I would not take a marginal shot to kill that deer. I would still be disappointed either way if I got him or they got him since now that I can't hunt this buck anymore. Going to be let down now only being able to take pics and shoot does. It was a true challenge and dang fun hunting him. My luck I will see an absolute toad in the next few weeks. roflmao


Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?[Linked Image]
Re: My first deer with a crossbow( long read) [Re: stxranchman] #5391617 11/01/14 01:29 AM
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,242
G
GreenAggie Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
G
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,242
Congrats on a very nice and deserved trophy. Great read and well earned with all your effort. Congrats again!

Re: My first deer with a crossbow( long read) [Re: stxranchman] #5391627 11/01/14 01:36 AM
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,124
L
LandPirate Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
L
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,124
Great story behind that buck. The story makes the trophy IMHO. Congrats on closing the deal on such a challenging buck.


Mike
Buda, Tx
Hunt near Freer
Re: My first deer with a crossbow( long read) [Re: stxranchman] #5391631 11/01/14 01:41 AM
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
S
stxranchman Offline OP
Obie Juan Kenobi
OP Offline
Obie Juan Kenobi
S
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
Thanks guys. My first bow buck back in 2001 was tough also. I spent 28 days hunting him and seen him a few times over that period. Just to many deer to drawn on him when I had the chance. Finally got my chance the last Saturday of archery season ironically when a wet norther was moving through. I got soaking wet sitting in a tripod after I shot him.


Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?[Linked Image]
Re: My first deer with a crossbow( long read) [Re: stxranchman] #5391655 11/01/14 02:07 AM
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,466
J
Jkd106 Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
J
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,466
Great story Stx, and even better deer! Congrats!


Re: My first deer with a crossbow( long read) [Re: stxranchman] #5391663 11/01/14 02:19 AM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,449
A
Auctioneer1 Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
A
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,449
up

Re: My first deer with a crossbow( long read) [Re: stxranchman] #5391671 11/01/14 02:28 AM
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,312
T
TCB Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
T
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,312
Great write up!! Thanks for sharing the experience with us.

Re: My first deer with a crossbow( long read) [Re: stxranchman] #5391682 11/01/14 02:40 AM
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,010
W
Western Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
W
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,010
Hey old man, great buck and damn good story on how it all went down up Now you have me thinking about one of them bow gun thingamajigs, haven't picked up my bow in 6-7 years. That buck sure deserves a place of honor on the wall.


If at first you dont succeed, then skydiving is not for you..

"Don't trust everything you read on the Internet"- Abraham Lincoln

Dennis

Re: My first deer with a crossbow( long read) [Re: Western] #5391683 11/01/14 02:43 AM
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
S
stxranchman Offline OP
Obie Juan Kenobi
OP Offline
Obie Juan Kenobi
S
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 60,296
Originally Posted By: Western
Hey old man, great buck and damn good story on how it all went down up Now you have me thinking about one of them bow gun thingamajigs, haven't picked up my bow in 6-7 years. That buck sure deserves a place of honor on the wall.

He is at taxi already cheers missed chasing them dang bucks with stick and string I had to buy a new PSE also. So next is a doe with it this winter. Get you a crossbow it is fun hunting with one.

Thanks guys cheers


Are idiots multiplying faster than normal people?[Linked Image]
Re: My first deer with a crossbow( long read) [Re: stxranchman] #5391688 11/01/14 02:47 AM
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,010
W
Western Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
W
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 29,010
I think I will, I also miss bow hunting, but not all of the "details", I used to go through LOL. That's is a PSE CB you have?


If at first you dont succeed, then skydiving is not for you..

"Don't trust everything you read on the Internet"- Abraham Lincoln

Dennis

Re: My first deer with a crossbow( long read) [Re: stxranchman] #5391690 11/01/14 02:48 AM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 441
S
slimpickens Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
S
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 441
Awesome buck. Congrats.

Re: My first deer with a crossbow( long read) [Re: stxranchman] #5391700 11/01/14 02:57 AM
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28,032
N
Navasot Offline
Hollywood
Offline
Hollywood
N
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28,032
Great buck and story man that's a stud! Dark antlers and awesome black color to the cape should make for a real nice mount cheers

Last edited by Navasot; 11/01/14 03:00 AM.
Re: My first deer with a crossbow( long read) [Re: stxranchman] #5391702 11/01/14 03:01 AM
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,073
RedSnake Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 4,073
Congrats amigo. Nice write up and a heck of a buck up

Re: My first deer with a crossbow( long read) [Re: stxranchman] #5391710 11/01/14 03:10 AM
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 750
R
RDNCK Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
R
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 750
Great write up and thanks for sharing with us!

Re: My first deer with a crossbow( long read) [Re: stxranchman] #5391757 11/01/14 03:56 AM
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461
R
rifleman Offline
Sparkly Pants
Offline
Sparkly Pants
R
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 44,461
Dang fine buck & write-up. cheers

Re: My first deer with a crossbow( long read) [Re: stxranchman] #5391768 11/01/14 04:10 AM
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 133
4D RANCH Offline
Woodsman
Offline
Woodsman
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 133
Very enjoyable read and an awesome buck! Love the the dark antlers! Break in that new bow on them does and start looking for next years quest!!


James Davis
4-D Whitetail Ranch
Re: My first deer with a crossbow( long read) [Re: stxranchman] #5391805 11/01/14 05:07 AM
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 661
T
Troutfisch Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
T
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 661
Great buck and story, thanks for sharing!


"In a civilized and cultivated country, wild animals only continue to exist at all when preserved by sportsmen."
-Theodore Roosevelt
Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 4
Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 2004-2024 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3