Heartbreak Hotel

[buckchaser]

Heartbreak Hotel yesterday. Started by exploring a new area of the "big woods" a few kilometers from our "core area" - interest caught by examining map. Cut a buck track about 9:30 AM. 5 hours later (and ironically back in our "core area") I missed a 70 meter shot at an 8 point buck dogging two does and two fawns. I tracked him 5 km from the start point as he went from doe group to doe group checking for estrous does. At one point he passed one of my trail cameras set on a buck travel route so I was able to check to see that he was a nice buck and that I was only 50 minutes behind him at that point. Three hours later I was shooting.

Really disappointed to miss the shot (tough shot, but I had a shooting lane through the trees and he was standing still at the shot) - but a very cool experience nonetheless.

[Mount Sweetness]

Must of had some fresh snow eh?

[buckchaser]

Yes - perfect conditions.

[benjhind]

Now I know where you get your moniker! I've never really thought to follow tracks to find a deer. I've never had luck sneaking up on them.

[dutchhunter]

I bet you learned a ton about the deer in your area that will help you next year.

[buckchaser]

Absolutely did. It was literally like "reading a book" as the buck went from doe group to doe group checking for any estrous does. His actions confirmed a lot of my scouting in terms of buck travel corridors and doe group home ranges. Still would have been nice to tag him though!