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Method: Mathews Q2 The start of the 2008 archery season for me was Oct 21st, my first day in the stand after I was able to obtain all my gear. I was hunting the North Ridge Stand, it sits on the edge of a saddle in a small opening by some thick overgrown brush and a stand of oak trees. I was not sure what to expect from this stand as I have not hunted it for nearly 2 years. The trail cam pictures of some neighboring areas led me to believe there would be some deer traffic in that area, plus a cold front was to move through the area later that day that had my expectaions high for deer movement.y season for me was Oct 21st, my first day in the stand after I was able to obtain all I reached the stand at about 6:30 there was bright waning gibbous moon that lead me to the stand with out the need of a flashlight. I settled in and ranged my shooting lanes. Before I knew it almost an hour had past with no activity in the woods, I only had about another half hour to 40 minutes to hunt due to some work that needed to be done, when from the dry creek below I heard the unmistakable sound of a deer crunching the leaves coming up the hill. As I turned to look all I could see was part of the head and half of a Rack through the thick foliage still on the trees. My heart leapt and I moved to grab my bow. I watched as the deer stood there and he looked to be smelling the air as if something was out of place. I figured he would continue on the trail up the hill and present me with an 18 yard broadside shot. Instead the deer turned and walked directly to the tree in which my stand was hung. When the buck popped out from under the foliage, he was right underneath me sniffing the ladder which I had climbed less than an hour before. As the Buck stood there mere feet from me, I could hardly contain my excitement. under these circumstances I had no real shot. The angle from which I was made it extremely difficult to judge or even see the antlers, all I knew is I wanted this deer on my wall. I was hoping the deer would continue on this new path past my stand and would offer me a nice quartering away shot, he had other ideas and turned again and walked straight away from me offering no shot. At about six yards the buck made the fatal mistake of turning enough to allow me a quartering shot. It was difficult angle at this close distance but another couple of steps he would disappear into the thick brush. I drew, picked my spot and squeezed my release until the arrow found its mark, Thwack! The Buck spun and took off down the trail through the overgrown brush. I watched as the deer with 8 inches of my arrow sticking out of his back and luminock glowing ran out of sight. Within seconds I heard a huge crash and new that my trophy had expired. I took a deep breath and sat down to enjoy the moment and collect my thoughts. 15 minutes later I was gathering my gear to go track my biggest archery buck when a Doe and a Fawn walked by on the same trail. This stand looks to be a good spot after all and I question myself why I had not hunted it more. I was concerned about tracking this deer, I didn't think there would be much blood due to the angle of the shot and not having a complete pass through, but 25 yards down the trail I starting seeing small spots of blood on the leaves, and with each step there was more and more blood. About 100 yards down the trail just off to the side laid the 9 point buck I just arrowed, turns out it was a double lung shot. The first day of my 2008 archery season was definatly a day to remember and every time I look at this trophy buck on my wall I will remember this experience, the hard work, long hours and dedication that went into this hunt.
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