Hunter: Jess McNeill
Points: 10 (5L, 5R)
County: Sumter
Season: 2016-2017
Hunt Story
First hunt of season. I knew this buck was in the area as I have lots of pictures of him. He was the first deer I saw. He stepped out of some thick pines onto a firebreak at 50 yards and stretched in the sunset. I immediately recognized him and grabbed my bow. He then walked steadily almost directly under my lock-on. I had to wait on him to get out from under me to take a shot I was comfortable with. He had no idea I was there. It's the most carefree I've ever seen a mature buck. He took a few steps out from under me and presented me with a 16-yard quartering-away shot. I felt good about the shot, and he ran 50 yards and folded up like a dove in the cleanest part of the planted pines! I had to sit in the tree for 15 minutes to stop shaking before I could climb down. I was able to walk straight to him and get some pictures before dark!
