The Unknown Eight

It was a beautiful, chilly November morning. I was tucked in the box blind as the sun began to shine through the trees. As it rose higher, it brought so much beauty and warmth to the woods. It was so peaceful and quiet with the exception of random shots echoing around me.

The Unexpected

It’s not uncommon to see nothing right after daylight. But as I sat there wondering if I’d even see anything, I spotted a deer coming out. Once he raised his head, that’s when I seen his beautiful 8 point rack. At first I thought maybe he was my main target, but all honestly I didn’t care. He made my heart leap with joy so I had to have him. He walked on out and got in front of the trail cam to lick the limb.

With my heart and adrenaline racing, I got ready for a shot. When he turned and gave me his side, I aimed but noticed my safety wasn’t off like I thought. He walked off a couple yards while I re situated for another go. The moment he paused, I pulled the trigger. POW! He dropped in his tracks.

The buck tried to get back up but his backside wouldn’t cooperate too well for him. He did manage to drag himself just out of sight though. I thought I shot too far back by his action or even hit his spine, but then I noticed the wound where I aimed at. So I knew he’d expire soon enough.

When my adrenaline calmed down a bit, I got up to check the field. That’s when I seen him still moving out there at the edge of it and my emotions went crazy. I probably should’ve backed out but instead I grabbed my .243 and went out there. Although I didn’t make the wrong call, but in my inexperience it just wasn’t the best call. Once he expired, I went back to pack up.

Admiring the Buck

While walking back to him, I felt so thankful for such a great experience. I was even still shaking from it all. When I approached him, I couldn’t help but admire how truly amazing he was.

He was a healthy, beautiful 8 point with a darker shade of antlers. His body was a lighter color with a nice white chest. He also had an interesting dark colored face and head as well. Just a little unknown since we never seen him before on the trail cams. But hey that’s okay because it’s a rut surprise.

On my way back, I had a spring in my step since I was overjoyed from the experience. However I was ready to get back to love on my baby and eat. Once I got home, I told my husband where he was laying then he went out after him.

When he got home with my buck, I began the process of field dressing him. I was able to do that solo for the first time the season before, so I thought I could handle it again. However this time with the help of my husband, I was going to be processing the whole thing. Afterwards while cleaning up the meat, I found the remains of my bullet in the back strap.

Lessons Learned

Even though I might have made a mistake or two, I learned from those mistakes to get better. I’m still beyond thrilled over this buck, whether he was my main target or not. It should be more about the experience and feeding the family anyways then the inches or points.

There should be no shame in your kill so long as it’s legal. Shoot what makes YOU happy because a “trophy” is in the eye of the beholder. The thrill of the hunt brings the adventure together. If I could do it all over again, I’d still pull the trigger on him. He was a beautiful animal and he fed my family very well.