Hunter: Brandon Blanton
Points: 8 (4L, 4R)
County: Fayette
Season: 2024-2025
Hunt Story
On the morning of 11/02/2024, I was feeling tired from a late night at my son’s football game the night before, and questioning whether or not I should even go. The more I thought, the more I knew I had to take the chance for a morning hunt, which rarely happens. After getting settled and the sun had yet to rise, I could hear the sound of a buck grunting and pushing does to my left in the hardwoods. I quickly thought, man I’m glad I came this morning! As the sun began to rise, I’d occasionally catch glimpses of the deer moving in the hardwoods to my left, unable to tell what buck was in that group. A short while later, a single doe slipped right up behind me and my heart began to race. Turns out, she was by herself and fed along the hardwoods. About 15-20 minutes later, I heard a bellowing grunt from my front right side. I couldn’t see him, but I definitely heard him. A few minutes later a doe came easing along in front of me showing signs she was being followed. I ranged where she presented a clear shot and she was right at 30 yards. She kept feeding towards my left and occasionally looking back. About 5 minutes passed and I could see movement where the doe came from earlier. I eventually caught a glimpse of the deer and realized it was a buck we had named Chocolate due to his really dark rack. He kept moving in the direction of the doe, but was a bit further from the exact line she took. As he was getting near a lane for me to shoot, I quickly drew my bow and waited. It seemed like a while, but was really only seconds, and he came into the open. Still on the move, I knew I had to stop him so I did the traditional maaaant, and he stopped on a dime. As he stopped I placed the 40 yard pin in the ten ring and released…seeing the nocturnal nock flying through the air and then disappearing behind the shoulder was a sight of beauty. The arrow passed completely through and the buck mule kicked and turned towards the direction he came from. I lost sight and didn’t really hear a crash. Nervously, I waited about 30 mins and climbed down to see my arrow covered in bright red blood with bubbles and I knew the shot was good. After about 60-70 yards of blood trailing, I walked up on an amazing buck still shaking from the experience! Truly a hunt I’ll never forget!
