2nd deer of the season

Jack O'Conner

New member
doe10-11-2010b.jpg


My hunt began well before dawn within an area at Aberdeen Proving Grounds that we've never hunted before. The Army opens and closes forested areas without consulting us. :)

The morning was not productive. After a lunch break we developed a fresh battle plan and I was assigned a post along Chesapeake Bay with an active patch of white oak trees. By active I mean to say that acorns are dropping without ceasing. This food source draws in animals like a magnet and during the afternoon I spotted 5 does within easy crossbow range. But due to angles or leafy cover, I shot just this one doe. Every hunter has his own ethics. For me, I'll take a "high percentage" kill shot or pass up the animal. I killed this doe with a double lung shot at approx 25 yards. The animal wobbled a little and collapsed about four car lengths from impact. My bolt sailed through the deer and at least half of its length was embedded into the soil! During field dressing, I observed severe damage to tubing above the heart. I'm guessing that instant loss of blood pressure caused the doe to lose oxygen to the brain which explains the wobbling and collapse.

This hunt took place on OCT 11th but foolishly I did not check camera battery power before I left for the hunt. By the time I got home, it was late and I hurriedly skinned, quartered, and placed the venison in large cooler with ice. Finally hit the pillow after midnight. This photo was taken following morning. Admittedly this photo is less-than-ideal but best I could do.

This Maryland doe weighed in at 72 lbs after field dressing. Thick fat was observed at loins and hind quarter. This venison will be a TOP Trophy on the dinner table. Praise God for His bountiful blessings!!

Jack
 
You shot the meat right off her :) hows that cross bow work? My neighbor is using one and I may go to one next year, getting old isnt for sissies.
 
""For me, I'll take a "high percentage" kill shot or pass up the animal""

I'm with you on that......even though I'll admit to a screw up now and again.

And the part about the doe having a lot of fat........primed me for the fried venison Louann will be cooking for breakfast at work Thursday......thanks to the brother in law and his sharp sticks.
 
NICE

There is only one problem, you left one of the best eat'in parts behind. The neck roast is great for shredded bbq.
 
Hey Jack are the Proving Grounds as beautiful today as they were in 1983?:rolleyes: Ain't it great to be an American?!:) congrats btw!!!:)
 
Hooligan:

There are are vast tracts of natural forest. By that I mean to say there are no evidences of past logging. Colossal trees are the norm.

Last year, Jason H. took a certified P & Y buck at Edgewood which is a component of APG. This year, Arne J. took a buck that weighed in at approx. 160 lbs after field dressing.

Many bald eagles are reputed to nest at APG but I've not seen one yet.

Jack
 
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