CBH
12-06-2012, 05:11 PM
So, over the past 5 years or so I have grown to have this obsession with hunting whitetails. I am sure many of you may laugh or think it is strange as this species is sometimes referred to as “rats” and that they are overtaking mule deer habitat. Either way, I have become addicted to hunting them. Maybe it is the fact that in Region 3 driving cutblocks is not overly productive for WT’s or possibly it is the fact that they are way more spooky than mule deer. I find it much more difficult to be successful with WT’s.
About 2 years ago I started using my trail camera to see if I was even in the right location and how many were around. I found out that the area I hunt has a few whitetails in it but the bucks wouldn’t show themselves during the day. I also came to the realization that I needed to change my hunting style. Walking as slow and silent as I could in the past was not working as I would see them but then I would see the big white flag waving “good bye” to me. Maybe I am not as silent as I think.
Last week, I decided that I would sit and rattle in an area that I have seen them before. A buddy and I walk into the first spot I wanted to rattle, after about 25 minutes and 2 rattling sessions, I notice some movement. After a few more moments I realize it is a doe but out of nowhere a WT buck busts me and runs in a circle not 30 yards in front of me. Just when I thought it was all over and was extremely disappointed, I notice another WT buck to my right at about 50 yards. I look at my buddy and he is staring straight at it but with no gun in hand. I decide that I have to make a move to get into a shooting position. After what felt like an eternity of both of us staring down this WT buck, I am in position. My heart is pounding and hands are shaking, one last breath and squeeze the trigger. I see the buck drop in his tracks and I jump up. After a few high five’s and man hugs, we collect our WT buck and head to the truck.
On our way out, we decide to quickly drive through a different area. A white flag gets my attention, “white tail” I yell. Buddy gets out, I ID it as WT buck and boom!! Two WT bucks down. What a memorable morning shared with a great hunting partner!
My WT buck: http://i49.tinypic.com/r74tx4.jpg
My buddies WT buck: http://i50.tinypic.com/15gyxwx.jpg
About 2 years ago I started using my trail camera to see if I was even in the right location and how many were around. I found out that the area I hunt has a few whitetails in it but the bucks wouldn’t show themselves during the day. I also came to the realization that I needed to change my hunting style. Walking as slow and silent as I could in the past was not working as I would see them but then I would see the big white flag waving “good bye” to me. Maybe I am not as silent as I think.
Last week, I decided that I would sit and rattle in an area that I have seen them before. A buddy and I walk into the first spot I wanted to rattle, after about 25 minutes and 2 rattling sessions, I notice some movement. After a few more moments I realize it is a doe but out of nowhere a WT buck busts me and runs in a circle not 30 yards in front of me. Just when I thought it was all over and was extremely disappointed, I notice another WT buck to my right at about 50 yards. I look at my buddy and he is staring straight at it but with no gun in hand. I decide that I have to make a move to get into a shooting position. After what felt like an eternity of both of us staring down this WT buck, I am in position. My heart is pounding and hands are shaking, one last breath and squeeze the trigger. I see the buck drop in his tracks and I jump up. After a few high five’s and man hugs, we collect our WT buck and head to the truck.
On our way out, we decide to quickly drive through a different area. A white flag gets my attention, “white tail” I yell. Buddy gets out, I ID it as WT buck and boom!! Two WT bucks down. What a memorable morning shared with a great hunting partner!
My WT buck: http://i49.tinypic.com/r74tx4.jpg
My buddies WT buck: http://i50.tinypic.com/15gyxwx.jpg