My second deer hunting season was far more exciting and eventful. We put eyes on 4 deer in total, on 2 distinct occasions, over roughly 20 sits. One of these was MUCH more memorable than the other.
<h2>How'd it go today? You wouldn't believe me if I told you...</h2>
Patience, perseverance, and practice. This year I picked my own stand. Empowered with a mobile hunting setup and well practiced during the fairweather early bow season, I was determined to strike out on my own. The island in the swamp holders a slammer buck, I will camp on top of that.
What happened on the second day of gun season changed my life and forever cemented my desire to hunt the kings and queens of the forest: white tail deer.
First, a doe rolls up in front of me.
<img src="/doe-encounter-huntcamp.gif" alt="whitetail doe encounter">
It crossed to my immediate right (3 o'clock), out of forested area with a slight opening ("staging area"). In the 10-20 seconds it took to walk into the swampy clearing, I did not move. The doe was never in range, so I pulled out my camera and captured some footage.
Critical error. I was holding my bow, but this may have cost me a shot at a 8-point buck, which suddenly enters my peripheral vision from the same staging area at 3 o'clock.

Innocent Treestanders

My Second Season in the Treestand: Old Fashion Buck and Doe

How'd it go today? You wouldn't believe me if I told you...