Hunter: Jason Lee
Points: 10 (5L, 5R)
County: Ware
Season: 2018-2019
Hunt Story
We got pics of this deer, known as “Flame,” at a protein feeder earlier in the summer. He got his name due to his long curvy brow tines that resemble a flame. I decided I wanted to hunt him as soon as I saw the first pics. I had a good idea where he was coming from to access the feeder and decided to set up a spot in the nearby river bottom on the Satilla River. Almost immediately I began getting pics of him in early August. While he was regularly visiting the site, it was always at night. Finally in early October I got a couple pics of him in shooting light hours. I began hunting him hard at this point. After suddenly no pics of him for about a week, I got a few pics of another really good 8-point in daylight hours. I decided to give that buck a shot on Monday morning. Not having any pics of the big buck, I had all but written off a chance at him that morning. I had the usual smaller deer come in and out on a show as usual. Younger bucks chasing does around and stopping to snack on the corn occasionally. I had a small young 8-point in front of me beginning to get nervous and looking back where he had come from. As I look in the direction he is staring, I caught a glimpse of antlers and immediately knew it was him. I got my bow ready and stood at attention. He came in and postured up at the young 8. I drew my bow, and the small 8 immediately looked up at me and began stomping. Knowing I was about to miss my shot opportunity, I made a quick shot and hit a small tree between me and the buck. He only hopped off a few yards and stood still for several minutes. I reached for another arrow with my heart aching that I had just blown my only opportunity. Suddenly Flame began circling me and luckily stopped in the only hole through the trees that I had. I had ranged every spot I could shoot from my stand countless times. Knowing this was a 30-yard shot, I quickly set my sight, took a careful aim and sent the arrow with a prayer. I had just arrowed the buck of a lifetime. Three hours and a nervous blood trail later. There he was, my buck of a lifetime!
