Doe, doh, doe !

[henry d]

Every day is a learning day.

Set off before dawn and arrived at the stalking grounds as light was filling the sky. I decided to wait for a bit of light so as not to bump any deer that are out in the fields.

I saw 3 after just 400yds and started stalking them. I got to within 160yds and spent some time watching them as it was still dark, I had a good rest in the dry stane dyke and decided to take the shot, but had to wait as they were too close together. Eventually I got a bead on one and squeezed off a round.

She jumped and all of them ran and I tried to follow them in the strong wind with the scope. Eventually the two I was watching stopped and I then realised that I may have been looking at the wrong ones !

I scanned about and didn`t see any more deer and scanning back didn`t see any deer at all !! I gave it a few minutes before venturing out and set off toward the tree which was the general direction of the shot and 100 yds beyond the deer.

Nothing as I get to the tree ! I then search down towards where I saw the 2 deer go, still nothing.

I then set off back to the tree and beyond, searching the long grass and ditch at the side of the field and beyond for a 1/4 mile, still nothing. I then carry on back down past the tree and beyond the first search after another 2-300yds I am almost in the corner of the field when I suddenly see a doe and follower moving towards me. This area seems to be an area deer lay up in during the day and I am happy to see her but she is too close to the fence for a shot.

She moves out into the field but is face on to me so I cannot get a shot and at 15yds she stops and the shot is on, but a head/neck shot !

Down she goes and the follower is off and not just that but another one runs off, no bother in the far corner.

 

Now I get to thinking that I either missed fair and square or I only just clipped the first one.

 

I get back to the larder and chat with the `keeper and he thinks the reaction is a hit and in my heart I think so too, but where is it ?

 

I intend to go home but end up back at te field and go off in the direction of the other two deer and find nothing, I then get into the motor and as it is now after 10am I decide to tour the field before I go home.

Halfway round I see a couple of hoodie crows and they are within range, so I stop the car and get set on the bonnet...... they of course fly off. Then I see a lump in the stubble that looks roe shaped

 

Just about 30-50 yds from where I shot her lies the doe, when I gralloch her, her heart is ripped near the valves and her rear leg broken. I had walked passed her in the dark and didn`t see her..........

 

Still a better result than a lost beast.

[southdowns_stalking]

Nice write up, just goes to show how easy it is to miss things!

[scolopax]

You need a dog with you, fantastic insurance policy.

 

Will you be looking to account for the orphan? They say that they really struggle without mum to show them the ropes.

[left & right]

Well done and good write up

[henry d]

Will you be looking to account for the orphan? They say that they really struggle without mum to show them the ropes.

 

Yes, we are having to hit this area fairly hard, when we are out lamping the place lights up with reflected eyes. Having said that, the doe fawn I originally shot was a good weight and mum too though her teeth were starting to wear badly.

[Dunkield]

Good honest write up H

All's well that ends well.

[bullet boy]

Well Doh..ne.

Edited November 3, 2010 by bullet boy

[groach1234]

Good right up H.

 

George

[hoTshoT-16]

nice write and i like the rifle

[trapper trev]

NICE 1

[wboulter]

if you look were she was standing when you tock the shot you might have seen the blood then you would have knowen you had hit her but a good honest account well done