I had a Baby, is the Hunt Over?

It’s a new deer season with all new challenges for 2018. I had a baby this past spring, so is my hunt over or just limited? I knew I’d only get to go on the weekends when my husband could take over baby duty. Some folks would say, “Just take him with you“. I’d love to do that, but he’s not quiet enough and the ticks were too bad. But one day he’ll get to tag along and I can’t wait.

Every year we see some decent bucks to target on camera. This year I filmed a group of bachelors that had two nice ones I really liked. I wasn’t sure how big they were but I knew one was a mature stud.

After season opened, I was able to go hunting a few times but didn’t see much. When I couldn’t go, I’d look out back for deer in the field. This one particular day I seen a big buck come out of the woods with some does, but he didn’t stay out long.

On a chilly, November morning I was getting ready to take my son to school. Through tired eyes I looked out the back window and seen the elusive buck coming across the field. I got excited because he was after some does, so I figured this time I’d have a chance at him.

The Backyard Buck

I rushed to the back door, grabbed the .270 and stepped out to the backyard. With two missed shots, I felt discouraged but glad that he was focused more on the does and remained out there at 200 yards. So I braced myself better and took a third shot. He bucked and ran off into the woods. I was overcome by emotions because I knew I got him but didn’t know how good.

After getting my son to school and feeding the baby, I went out there to look for blood. While walking in he field, I was amazed to see three does come out. I couldn’t actually track the buck with the baby. Especially if he was still alive and needed a fatal shot. I looked for awhile but had to get back to the house.

Thankfully our neighbor came over to track and retrieve him for me. When he brought him to the house, I was elated seeing this buck up close. He was a mature 9 point stud that I called The Backyard Buck. I admired him for awhile and thanked God for such a blessing before field dressing.

After that my hunts consisted of looking out back since my husband and oldest son would go duck hunting on the weekends. I loved watching the deer run around and the young bucks sparing. There’s just something beautiful about watching wildlife do what it’s created to do.

Tagged Out

It was the last week of season and once again I was getting ready to take my son to school. I looked out back and there was a decent buck coming across the field. I rushed to the back with my son right behind me. He grabbed my camera, I grabbed the 7 mm mag, and we got ready.

After missing twice yet again, I realized shooting long ranges is something I need to improve on. For some reason he remained out there at about 200 yards, so I braced myself for a third shot and pulled the trigger. Three shots must be my thing this season because he dropped in his tracks. In total shock, I looked back at my son who was also in shock and he goes, “You Dropped Him!”.

I got my son to school and fed the baby then loaded up with straps to retrieve my buck. I stood there with the baby admiring him and wondering how I’m going to do this. He was a younger buck but still a beautiful 10 point. I decided on a plan of action and got him back. So with that, this Huntin’ Momma Tags Out.

What a season it turned out to be. I was truly blessed with two nice bucks and still got to see plenty of deer. Not the desired way, but my only way. Best of all, the meat went to feeding my family. So, is the hunt over after having a baby? Absolutely NOT!