Saturday night I setup over some faint runs that ran parallel to a more defined run. It was breezy that night so I couldn’t hear much but it was one of those cool, dark, fall days that made critters active. I saw turkeys, a raccoon and a doe on my way to stand. Just before sunset I saw movement below me to my right, a nice racked buck. Just as I was about to stand up he must have caught my scent at the base of the tree because he bounded about 10 yards back the way he came and stopped. He stared up into my tree for what felt like forever as I was caught in an awkward position where I was neither standing up nor sitting. I prepped myself into position, moving when the wind allowed me to do so. He was quartering to me and I could tell he was getting ready to bound away any moment. He looked away briefly, I drew back quickly and the sound told it all. He dressed out at 160 lbs, and especially being state land in NW CT, I was glad to drag every bit of it by myself.
I often question myself when taking a deer (or any animal), and some days I end up not taking the shot. But I have learned that a hunter who has reserve, and feels remorse, has the most appreciation. Very thankful to be healthy and have the opportunity to be in the woods.
first of all - really nice buck! More importantly I congratulate you for "thinking" about the animal you are killing and struggling with thought of taking it's life. Respect for wildlife is something a lot of people don't understand in a hunter, but what they will never realize is that we as hunters see the animals in their natural surroundings and understand and appreciate everything about them. That deeper knowledge brings us closer to the animals we hunt.
You have my respect!
Bob