First Time Out Michigan Buck
By Glen Wunderlich
Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association
With a week of the ’21 archery deer season behind us, I had tinkered with projects around the home front long enough. Temperatures in the mid-60s had been reason enough for most to wait another day and the overcast day with rain pushing up from the south cemented my decision: I’m going out!
Of course, this may seem upside down, but I had a plan to thwart excuses. In fact, part of year-long preparations could put me at an advantage afield. First on the list is having options afield for various wind and rainy conditions. The perfect location would have me facing east into a gentle breeze ahead of the pending precipitation. Secondly, a large, comfortable ground blind would keep me dry during a sit that typically lasts for hours.
Of course, rain is problematic if a tracking procedure is necessitated, because it can dilute a blood trail to the point of total frustration. At the same time, hunters know it is usually wise to wait 45 minutes after a deer has been shot to begin any tracking chores. That’s the conundrum; here’s the solution: a tracking dog. And, my pal, Joe, has Junior – a blue tick hound with 3 perfect trackdowns last season – on standby.
Oh, yes, that warm weather can be defeated with ice, if necessitated. Simple.
I had already scared some whitetails from their smorgasbord of fast food on the trek to the blind. No worries, because the fresh food would call them back. Within minutes, my hunch was confirmed. Does and fawns filtered into the brassicas in front of me. Closer and closer they came, as one daring buck fawn and its mother only 30 feet away had me hiding in a dark corner of the blind!
Having live decoys afield like this is welcome; however, there are times when there are too many eyes and they’re too dang close. I took a photo and the flash went off. A lone doe noticed and stared at the blind until she was comfortable nothing was amiss. Meanwhile, the camera’s flash was shut off.
More does sauntered into the field, but one in particular was worth noting. Accompanying it was the smallest, spotted fawn I’ve ever seen at this time of year. It looked to be only weeks old, but was already chomping on the turnips with its mother.
Late Term Fawn
Because of mid-Michigan’s relatively mild winter weather, I would suspect such a tiny fawn will survive.
After 90 minutes of wildlife watching, a good buck had entered the dance floor – and, only 20 yards away walking slowly toward me to my right.
The buck already close
I’ve never been able to count points in a situation like this, but suffice it to say, it had a lot going on above its skull. This spectator-turned archer was now on go with the safety quietly being switched off. But, the angle was all wrong and I had to let it get even closer; any careless movement or sound had to be avoided.
At 10 yards I seized the moment with a flashback to a practice session when I learned this up-close shot. I would hold on target using an estimated point above the multi-reticle scope’s crosshairs. The light of the Luminock on the arrow told the story. Bull’s eye!
Within seconds the adult buck had succumbed a scant 60 yards in front of me ending my season the first time out!
Adult Shiawassee County Buck
With help from my friends, the prize was on ice within the hour. Being relegated to spectator status will be a justifiable reward for not sitting this one out.
