Last light buck

[Squirrel_Basher 17,100]

Well then, theres a story to this buck that stretches back 3 years or more .Hes been on a place i have ,a smallholding that is on the way to a larger area of stalking .I took the dogs out over the small place for a stretch this afternoon and chanced on him grazing on a valley side opposite that i dont have but still good to see him .Hes had the same head for at least 3 years and ive always seen him either out of season or without a gun .Hes finally showing his age as was apparent from the saggy back and grey muzzle .I studied him for a long time with the bins whilst the dogs lay around me panting ,what an idealic setting .He was grazing closer to my side so i retreated without alarming him and hurried to the truck with the dogs and sped home to put them away and pick up the rifle and head back the 10 or so miles .I remember this buck as a handsome beast with a thick neck and hareme of at least 4 does that he looked over .Ive seen him head to head with another buck and win ,chasing the other out of sight .Today he was alone and tired looking .

Got back with not much daylight to spare ,about half an hour actually ,and so i hurried to where i thought he may be bedded .It was now drizzling with rain .The light allowed a good glass round from a vantage point and sure enough ,there he was ,still alone and stood browsing on a hawthorn about 250 yards down a track .I was skylined from where i scanned so its a wonder he never clocked me really .A half coupy stoop got me to within 150 yards but i wanted closer as the light was that pink haze just before dark .I could clearly see him in the scope but a crawl was needed to get that last 50 or so yards .Got to an ant hill and decided it was right .No bipod ,just bedded into the ant hill on the side of it .Cross hairs on him and down he went ,the shot not registering with me really as i was full of adrenaline.Walked to him with a bit of regret really as id watched him many times about his business .He has always had a bad head ,the same 3 tines from the base on one side and this year was no exception .Took the pic in bad light so the flash came on but still enough to see him by, i hope .

Edited April 5, 2009 by foxdropper

[Hannah4181 260]

What a sad story, you sound like you've lost a friend!!!

[sheamus 0]

Good shot

[Guest ferret feller]

get him mounted

[martin 332]

I knew you were a big old softy 'FD'. Actually I understand what you were feeling,cos,I was feeling it while I was reading your account mate.............see you soon..............'M'

[sauer 2]

dress the skull and for years to come till your own time cometh even ....and youll stil be able to raise a glass and remember that one.

 

 

 

 

sauer

[Guest joe ox]

Good write up, I enjoyed reading it

[Guest little lurcher]

as usual an excellent account and true feeling put into your post, bit sad really to see the old lad go i guess? but he will have left his legacy in his young and your heart

[arveyboy 0]

who said shooters have no compassion for other living things?! cracking read mate. i still need to get back to you on coming over here for a muntjac. little bit busy with the whole exams malarky at the moment but no worries you'll get your stalk.

 

ATB Jack

[happyploughman 1]

Well done mate. The hunting instinct is very strong in us, and understand your sentiments entirely.

[mj robson 8]

Hi FD,

 

Well done, that's a nice looking buck and one you will remember for the rest of your life.

 

 

I know how you feel, I've had some bucks that I've looked over for a few years before they've been stalked. At least you know it's background and appreciate what you've had.

 

I had some Dutch cleints last year who shot some nice trophy bucks but didn't look twice at them once they'd been grassed, they showed no respect at all. Really pi55es you off when they are bucks you've been familliar with for a while and you put a lot of effort in on their behalf. Needless to say, they were refused a return visit this year!

 

Mark.

[FOXHUNTER 5,021]

Nice one mate , youll be writing for Mills & Boon next :11: :11:

 

Seriously though what a cracking read , get something in print for Mr Darcy

 

Nice to see the beast shown a bit of respect , seems like you almost knew him intimately !!

[Guest remmy]

good read fd i was with you all the way mate, see you soon alb remmy.

[torchey 1,316]

i think a true hunter always respects his prey

[Squirrel_Basher 17,100]

Cheers people. ................... Mills and boon

A huntsman once described me as only good for making things dead Dead maybe but forgotten ,not .

Edited April 6, 2009 by foxdropper