Fork & Horn.

1030, Low 40s mid 30s, light showers mixed with snow.

Into the wind, I walked a draw up the ridge. Along the ridge I watched 3 does stare at me, then trot up and over the knob. When I arrived to the tree stand, I blew 3-4 fawn bleat calls. After my second round of calling, I watched the does leap frog into the patch of timber where I sat. Two would eat, one would keep watch as the moved along the ridge. They fed within 30 yards before disappearing. They were feeding towards the clear cut (1600). *A few days ago I jumped the trio about 100 yards in the timber from the clear cut, on the W side of the trail (1400).*


28 November 2017

The clear cut is becoming more essential to the hunt each day. I arrived to the AO at 1300. Conditions: Fog & snow. *The same area I bumped the does, except on the E side of the trail, I encountered my first legal buck.* When I entered the timber from the clear cut I decided to nock an arrow. I was no more than 100 yards into the timber when a fork and horn stood up and bolted. No time to range, arrow nocked, I drew back and let one fly. Because I finger shoot, I was quickly able release an arrow. I guessed 25 yards, and aimed a little above the target with my 20 yard pin. I stared down the spine of the arrow as it flew center, high of the organs. I believe the buck was around 20 yards given the drop of elevation. The buck ran down the draw and disappeared like a ghost into the timber.

I noticed on both encounters deer are silent whether running or walking through the timber. The stalking pace is much slower than elk hunting, because I could have spooked them long before I knew they were there. It seems the deer bed high during the day, and feed into the clear cut or lower elevations in the evening. Also, The mature doe always leads while the youngest follows from the rear. It didn't matter whether they were spooked or feeding. The mature lead the way.

*Possible bedding area.