Within the borders of a 7 acre orchard and hobby farm is a plum tree, a pear tree, and several types of apple trees. Two out buildings, a two stall garage, two slant oil wells and a 2 story farm house. The land is owned by the nicest christian couple. A man like me couldn’t ask to meet better people.
Earlier this year I found I had permission to bow hunt for whitetailed deer on these 7 acres. I scouted the property and thought, “Wow what an opportunity!”. I found the deer to be amazingly bold. Walking right through the yard in broad daylight. Since not hunting for over 10 years, I thought I had found the perfect spot to hunt.
I arrived the morning of opening day. I’d say aroung 5:00 AM. I waited and I waited. I sat in my treestand until evening light became too dark to hunt. I saw nothing. Not one single deer. I showed up the next day. Then the next. I showed up for two straight weeks.
Finally at the next to the last day of this first two weeks I turned to the north from my treestand and spotted a large doe along with a small yearling. Both nice animals and healthy. Both walking straight for my tree. As the doe made her way towards me I drew back twice just to get over the sudden rush of adrenalin. Hoping to be ready when she presented herself to my waiting broadhead.
Finally after ten minutes of her walking, stopping, eating, walking, stopping, eating. She walked right out into an opening large enough to park a hay wagon. Giving me the best broad side view of a deer I have ever had. I drew back. I looked through my peep site on my bowstring. I found my thirty yard sight pin. I held the shot. I held it a bit longer. Just as I was ready to release the arrow. The doe turned and looked over her back at the yearling.
I thought to my self. Jim, we have a lot of season left. Let’s wait for a buck. So I relaxed my bow string and sat back down in my stand.
Needless to say this doe and yearling have been the only deer I have seen so far this season. My freezer is still empty and I wish I had taken the shot.
Oh well. I’m only 45yrs old and have a couple of seasons left in me. Since not being able to share any of the venison with the land owners. I have left a couple of fresh steelhead and whitefish with them.
Here’s to next year. And the year after that.
Jim Wilson
Manistee County
Michigan