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A fine day on the mountain

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Joined
Nov 11, 2011
Messages
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Location
Surry County, North Carolina
Had a grand day hunting and hiking Skull Camp Mountain, (with the blessings of the owner) which my property borders. I got to the tree stand just after sun-up. I spooked two nice does who were already there ahead of me. Oh well. Figuring it might be an hour before any other white tails come through I just relaxed and took in the sights and smells of the Appalachian woods. After some time I heard stirring from behind me and focused on where the racket was coming from. There they were, a whole slew of turkeys, led by the biggest jake I ever saw. They just kept coming and coming. I counted seventeen in all.
After two hours without much else going on (and shivering from the 18 mph gusts of wind in the 34 degree morning) I decided to head home and have some breakfast and get a few extra layers on.
Returning to the stand about 11:00 and the wind still blowing I decided to do something I had wanted to do since we moved here: Go up to the top of Skull Camp Mountain. It was a long and quite steep treck through the woods up the mountain side but taking a few breaks helped. Finally after about 45 minutes I made it to the top. It was a sight to see, the pastures and fields and forests below. I am a lucky man to be here, I thought.
I dumped my priming and started back down the slopes. It was easier going but was wary of my footing on the layers of wet and dry leaves on the ground (easy slipping stuff).
By the time I got to the bottom I was hungry and really thirsty. I went home again and had some lunch and changed into dryer clothes. Then back out I went to the tree stand at 2:45.
I was in the stand about fifteen minutes when I heard another noise from my right behind me. Sure enough a medium sized deer was strolling in my direction. I slowly took hold of my .54 Longrifle and put on my glasses. Then, as the deer got into a clear line of sight I fired and knocked him down. He got up and went into the thicket but left a clear blood trail. I called my friend who owned the land and told him the news and he got in his four wheeler and met me at the tree stand and we went on to the drop spot. I gutted the deer (a spike buck) and we dragged him bact to the farm where we got him hung-up for the night. Tomorrow is butcher day :)
 

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you have inspired me. i have been hugging the stove and whining "it's to cold". its only 12* tonight. tomorrow i am going out!
that spike will be some dandy venison. i can just imagine how tender the tender loin will be!
in the last 70 years of hunting i have never gotten a spike! i passed on one that i have regretted ever since.
now, lets have some particulars on that gorgeous rifle!
 
you have inspired me. i have been hugging the stove and whining "it's to cold". its only 12* tonight. tomorrow i am going out!
that spike will be some dandy venison. i can just imagine how tender the tender loin will be!
in the last 70 years of hunting i have never gotten a spike! i passed on one that i have regretted ever since.
now, lets have some particulars on that gorgeous rifle!
Deerstalkert- Glad that you got inspired! The rifle is the third Kibler Colonials I made (last year) for deer hunting but never had the chance to hunt. This year it got christened.
 

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Yes it was a beautiful day. My favorite time of the year, especially here in the Blue Ridges.
Fall is my favorite time of the year also. Nothing like being in the woods with a rifle on a blue sky fall day during deer season. Our November here in Minnesota this year hasn't been so nice. Haven't had a sunny day for over ten days. I would love to see a blue sky like the one in your pictures. Deer season here has been a trial so far. Muzzle loader season starts Thanksgiving weekend. Hoping for a turn for the better with the weather.
 
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Most excellent read. Thank you for sharing. Hard to beat a day in the woods and even more enjoyable to have it successful. Good eating for sure. I took a yearling this year and what great eating it is and with yours a whitetail even better. Well done and well written, Sir.
 
Now that's a good hunting story Pathfinder. I am heading back into my woods this weekend. Your story has me looking forward to the hunt. Congratulations on a fine buck!
 
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