Arrived at the camp and there were tracks everywhere. Snow was less than 2 days old so they were fresh. Have not seen that much fresh track in 7 or 8 years. Not just deer either tons of turkey, porcupine, snowshoe hare and coyote as well. It was like all the critters were happy we finally got some snow and decided to go out and play in it.
I got set up down at the river sitting behind a stump in my snow camo with the river at my back 6 feet away. When the wind works for this spot I love it as with the river behind you it is very unlikely that anything will come up from behind and bust you. This is my shooting lane, you can just see my 405 sitting on the Caldwell in front of the stump.
At about 4pm a small buck comes in and is downing the best job ever of just pointing his rear end at me. After 15 minutes of this and no sign of other deer I figured if he gives me a shot I'll take it as there is still enough light left to make recovery easier and the season is fast closing. Well he finally turns and gives me a slight quartering away shot at 22 yards. I let fly and he does the best donkey kick I have seen in about 10 years. Hind legs were at least 6 feet in the air.
Well all hell breaks loose. I did not see a large group in the cedars to my east that were heading my way. There were white flags and snorts everywhere. I don't know how many there were or if they were bucks/does/fawns but I saw at least 6 flags.
My deer takes off to the SW at full tilt but I know he has to be going down close. I packed up some of my gear and went to look for my bolt. I found it buried 3 inches into a log with the broad head completely buried. I tried to pull it out but it would not budge. I am going to go grouse hunting New Year's day and will carve it out than.
Had a look at the impact site and things looked good:
Followed the obvious blood trail for 50 yards and found him dropped right in the middle of a nearby creek. Hauled him out and tagged him.
Back at the cabin:
Dave 
