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For all those that know me, know the ups and downs I have been through over the past 3 years hunting big game. It has been a roller coaster of ups and lots of downs. (Past Deer Hunts and Elk Hunts) I haven’t taken the tradition road as most hunters do, by learning how to hunt with their dad or family. I didn’t have any hunting partners, so I was self taught, from trial and lot of error.(And hunting shows which aren’t very realistic, since I can’t hire a guide)  To top that off, I didn’t start with a rifle, I started with my bow and made a promise to myself that I wouldn’t shot anything under a 4 x 4. So now you know where I am coming from, here’s the story of my first deer.  It all happened Sept 5th. I had been in Milwaukee, WI for grueling 3 week work training. So with only 2 days left of the muzzleloader hunt, I decided I needed to get out and at least try. I got to my tree stand around 4:30pm and waited what felt like days, but nothing moved until the last golden hour and then there were bucks moving all over. I first spotted a little 3 point that was out of my range at 200+ yrds. Then across the meadow, I saw a buck that we called The Freak, because of its non-typical thick antlers and big body. It was moving toward the 3 point and in a hurry. After I lost site of The Freak, I heard some noise to my left and saw a little 2 point and spike working their way down a trail only about 40 yrds away. I had to make a decision and fast! I thought what the heck, I need to finally get a deer, so I climbed down my tree and started my stalk on the 2 point. Just like the millions of times before the wind swirled and the deer busted me and took off.  As I was walking back to my stand bummed about the stalk, I noticed the three point looking right at me 100 yrds away. SUCK!!! I thought as I froze stiff. After what felt like forever, the buck put its head down and kept moving the same direction. Since I had spent 1000′s of hours with these deer I knew right where he was headed. So I waited till he got behind a tree and I ran to get into position to meet him. Sure enough, just as luck would have it the deer came right down the trail and within 40 yrds. I took aim and let it rip. What I thought was a vital shot, resulted with a deer standing up looking right at me and them bouncing off. No way I thought, I had to have hit him. So I went to see if there was any blood. As I got to the spot where I thought the 3 point was standing, I saw nothing. But then I heard the most beautiful noise, 5 ft away in the thick bushes was The Freak lying down slowly kicking its feet. With the low light, I didn’t noticed that that freak had moved in with the 3 point and was leading the pack. I Did It! . After lots of yelling and self- fulfillment moments, I called a buddy to help me pack it out. It was and still is an awesome feeling to be able to learn and go through so much without quitting. Then right when you are ready to quit, it all comes together and you reach your goal that you have worked so hard for. I have learned that nothing can replace hard work, time in the field and determination…Sooner or later luck falls on your side. I am a big game hunter in the field and in the stream.

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