Thread: Dumb hunting story.

I went for a short hunt this afternoon and came home with nothing to show for it. No animal, no photos, hardly even worked up a sweat, but it was one of the best bush stalks I have ever had.
Within 15 minutes of getting in the bush I had spotted two deer around 40m away. I could see they were deer but couldn't see either clearly enough to place a shot or get a photo. It was quite dry underfoot and for 15 minutes I just had to watch and hope they would move into a position I could get a better look at them. Eventually they both moved off into the wind and disappeared. I slowly began moving in the direction they had gone and after about 10 minutes I heard a hind bark 60 odd meters ahead. I was sure they were unaware of me and the wind was good so I was a bit puzzled as to what had upset her. After another 15 minutes of very slow, very careful stalking I spotted one again. Just glimpses through some thick pole beech. It too moved off and I followed, in very slow, careful pursuit. After finding my way through some thicker pole beech I spotted the deer again. This time 3 and I could get a better look at them. A hind and young one were moving slowly to the left and another animal was moving to the right. I spotter antler and with the fleeting glimpses I got of it, I was pretty sure it was one I had just got photos of in my game camera. It was moving through the pretty open beech forest and again was not keen on offering a shot with rifle or camera. It paused, and I moved forward about 20m hoping I would get a better look at it. I poked my head out from behind the next big tree in time to see it making it's way off about 40m away, still unaware of me. Bugger.
Now I had a dilemma. The wind was across us and if I went in the direction of the stag it could wind me. If I went to the right I would be up wind but behind a thick patch of pole beech....I went right. It took me around 10 minutes to negotiate the beech thicket and when I got around the end of it the forest opened out into a beautiful basin. I stopped and looked, and looked and looked. Nothing.
I took a breath and decided it was time to head home. I had followed these deer for around an hour and am sure they never knew I was there. Even though I didn't shoot anything or get any photos it was a very satisfying hunt.
They may not be so lucky next time.

Great experience, nothing dumb about it at all.

Originally Posted by StrikerNZ

Great experience, nothing dumb about it at all.

One I will remember for a long time in spite of no result.

Shit Shearer at least your seeing em !!

Last couple of armed walks I have had in the dry bush around here, not a skerritt to be seen....

Gotta love it all the same !!!

I, like you are not one for sitting on the couch

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I have recently learned, it's about getting out and appreciating being able to do so and enjoying nature. Anything else is a bonus. In 20 years from now, you would give everything to come back to this day!!

Nothing wrong with deer watching,taking one home is the bonus.

Love a good bush stalk, seeing them without them seeing you moments are some of the most memorable even if you go home with nothing.

Awesome story, thanks for...shearing

Not dumb at all. Id be wrapped if my hunting went like that...

Mean. Getting so close is half the fun.

Great fun

yip agree you doing really well to be that close for that long,your seeing them well enough to ID them...sooner or later they will come home for dinner.