Hunter: Coleman Cauley
Points: 8 (4L, 4R)
County: Jones
Season: 2015-2016
Hunt Story
First bow kill. At the conclusion of the 2014-2015 season, I managed to weigh my options and allow several small bucks to pass. I looked at my harvest record and only had taken one small doe during that season. My hunting buddy, dad, and myself decided to hold off and let several small bucks escape. My thoughts were that, ultimately, we might have a better opportunity for the 2015-2016 season. During this time I had decided to save my money and invest in a lifetime bowhunting career. I had practiced all summer long and finally the opening morning had come. My dad and myself arose at 6 a.m. and headed off to the stand. When we arrived, to my surprise, my father showed me a single ladder stand. He had made mentioned that It was time for me to spread my wings and be placed in a stand by myself. I was a little nervous but anxious to utilize the honed hunting skills that such an excellent guide had instinctively instilled in me. He watched me fasten my safety harness to the tree and quietly backed out of the woods. Within 30 minutes I had two does approach and was quickly busted with my draw-back. The hunt soon ended as my father approached the stand around 10 a.m. Sunday morning the same itinerary took place. Nestled in my own tree stand I noticed a flinch of a tail move around 100 yards under a dropping white oak. There he was with another small 3-pointer. I waited like a ninja patiently until his presence was about 30 yards out. At this point the 3-pointer was directly under my stand. With knees knocking and the ever presence of my heart beat echoing throughout want seemed to be the entire county of Jones, I released my carbon stick and made contact with the animal. He ran about 100 yards and I heard him crash. The only text that I sent to my father was “I smoked him.” My father almost appeared inmmediantly. I would never tell him this, but I want to say he was so excited he had tears in his eyes. My .270 will more than likely get lonely in the safe this season with my new love of the bow. What a great start to the 2015-2016 season.
