Yesterday (Saturday) when I came home from Hillsdale I left my friend Mike Heil standing here looking at the biggest set of deer tracks either of us have ever seen. Several had crossed in this very spot, and the “big boys” hoof prints were at least 1/2″ deeper in the ground than the rest of the tracks! Not only that; the length and width of them were huge. Were talking 300 pound deer here! Mike asked me if I was sure I wanted to continue on toward home, and believe me I wanted to stay, but I couldn’t change a prior commitment.
The corn you see in this picture was finally being harvested, and the deer’s hiding place was disappearing. I’m sure the farmer was chasing deer over to my side of the woods. Even though it was raining and snowing Mike was eager to take a stand in the trees.
Mike called me last night on his way home, and reported he saw a “bruiser” standing in the clover field that adjourns my lease. He scoped out this big 10-pointer, and tried to coax him onto our side of the fence-to no avail. Mike is a former marine, and a “crack” shot, so the distance to the deer was no problem. The fact that the deer was on the Amish neighbors property was a problem. To Mikes credit he didn’t take the shot. I’m not sure how many hunters would of done the same. Mike you are welcome in my camp anytime, and I appreciate the time we got to hunt together. Season isn’t over yet-we could still get us a “hat-rack!”
Mike
I’d say Mike did the right thing. Now that you know the “big guy” is there, you just have to get him on to property on which you have premission to hunt.
I’m betting you guys can do that.
Sounds awesome. Those are the kinds of things that happen that will keep me sitting in my stand no matter how bored I am! Just the thought of knowing that a deer like that is on the property does wonders for motivation!
clover field…
Good work. Keep it up….