No 30-Point Buck For Me This Year

A lot of deer hunters across the state will tell you that this was a tough rifle season. Theories have been circling about drought and disease negatively impacting the deer numbers. The lack of deer is something my husband Led and I experienced first-hand.

My hunting season began on Tuesday night as we headed out across the corn stubble to the ground blind. Over the course of the next two days in that location, we didn’t encounter a single deer.

Wednesday, I sat by myself in the punishing wind, hoping to at least catch a glimpse of one in the distance. The most excitement I had was a pair of geese flying overhead, bickering like an old married couple. Occasionally, I would here a barrage of shots from the waterfowl hunters along the river.

After feeling a little dejected and very cold, we put on that old song about a “Turdy Point Buck” and headed back out to the blind on Friday. That morning was our first sighting as we watched two doe running for some cover on the next property over – at least 450 yards from us. We kept our eyes glued to that hillside for well over an hour, but they never reappeared.

That afternoon we checked out a different location, hoping that might help our odds. The temperature was warming and deer were definitely moving. We spooked one doe on the way in as we got situated and a second when my husband left for the night.

I still had hope as I sat along the fence line by myself. This spot was the place where I took my very first deer and it holds a special place in my heart. Don’t get me wrong, it is sure nice to hunt from an enclosed blind, especially on those bitter cold days. However, there is nothing like tucking yourself into the tall grass, rump on the ground and the breeze in your face.

We were expecting Friday to be our last night to hunt, so it was a little bittersweet to watch the light drain from the sky. I listened to an owl hooting off in the woods beyond my hiding spot and although another deer didn’t cross my path, I was content letting it be the end of my season.

We got an unexpected message that we could hunt again on Sunday in the area we were in last year. Not wanting to miss a single opportunity to fill my tag, we jumped on the offer. The ground blind I sat in overlooks a small draw, and is a spot we’ve seen a lot of deer movement in the past.

About halfway through the morning, a pair of doe bust through the thickets on the hill in front of me, never slowing to allow me a shot. Thinking a buck could be in pursuit, I used the grunt call to try to entice something to head my way. I used the rattling antlers a while later, but if anything was in range, they weren’t interested in me. That evening ended much the same way. A single doe was spooked up from the ravine behind me as I walked to the blind, but not a creature was stirring after that.

While it was considerably easier to maneuver the fields this year being only 5 months pregnant instead of 8, it was disappointing to not have a single deer in my crosshairs. I won’t hang my head though. I hunted hard and gave it everything I had. I feel very fortunate that I am still able to do the things I love, thanks to grandparents who took the time to watch our son while we hit the fields.

I may not have a pair of antlers on the wall, but I am grateful for the experiences I get to share with you all. Now that the season is over, it is time to celebrate the holidays!