Connecticut Deer Hunt 2018

Deer hunting has been a part of my life for over thirty years. In that thirty years I have enjoyed the company of my son as well as numerous friends. As the years pass life throws some roadblocks at you and they can be a problem to overcome. The last two years have been difficult for my son to get the time off from work and trying to plan a hunt alone is a problem now for my age does not allow for for long hikes back into the woods. The hike is not the issue, it's the drag if I'm successful. So this year I was fortunate to draw a state tag that would allow me to harvest a deer. The area I was given I did do some leg work prior to the opening for me which was yesterday. So at about 6am I was walking to my stand which is pictured in the first photo. A nice little rise looking into a semi-open forest floor. I had seen in my previous scouting several deer in this area and was hoping that this morning would bring a deer into my range. On CT. state land hunting deer is restricted to shotgun, not that you are handicapped by that, but in PA. where we hunt as well as private land in CT. a rifle with a scope is the firearm of choice. My firearm was a side by side 20ga. with just a bead for a sight. But I was familiar with the gun and knew what it and I were capable of.

While sitting on stand looking at the forest for signs of deer a thought ran through my mind. What if I make a successful shot, how am I going to get the deer out. With no answer I decided to move. Knowing the area I then chose to go to a more friendlier location.

As I walked to the new location I saw this...man to a deer hunter that's a good sign.

As I settled in at my new stand I felt better knowing that the drag would not be as bad. The area was sort of open and a decent shot could be had. So now it's about 9 and my eye catches movement off to my left. I see two gray shadows move into a thicket about 50 or so yards away. As I bring up the gun I saw one look in my direction. The safety came off I placed the bead at the shoulders of the first deer and I shot. Instantly I saw the tails go up and the deer ran towards a ridge. I kept an eye on them but lost sight of one. I waited a few minutes, got my pack on and walked to where the deer were when I shot. When I got there I looked for signs of a hit but all I could see is some really messed up ground. It was then that I had a good feeling, I hit the deer. Placing my hat on a tree so I could refer to the place the deer were, I started my search. The search took me through a swamp to a section that had several large blow downs, and there I found my deer.

I was excited, happy and so very thankful for this harvest. I know this may sound corny but I expressed my gratitude to this beautiful animal, and to how much we will enjoy what it has given us.