I had been waiting for months to get back into a treestand to pursue whitetail deer. Throughout the week, I kept an eye on the weather, hoping to get to the lease in Ohio for the opening night of hunting season. My soccer team was scheduled to play a game at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, but it was canceled at the last minute. I decided it would be best to make the hour-long drive to the lease and go hunting. To say I was excited would be an understatement! I loaded up all my gear and headed to the lease, hoping to fill a tag on opening night.
20 Feet Up
I arrived at the lease around 4 PM and dressed appropriately for the weather. It was 80 degrees and overcast, but the temperature was dropping quickly. After getting dressed, I grabbed my gear and stealthily made my way to my stand. Before climbing in, I refreshed the BuckBranch and the mock scrape that the deer had been using. I had a good feeling that the night was going to be an action-packed one.
Settled In
Safety is always a concern when climbing into or out of a treestand. To ensure I remain securely attached to the tree, I use a lifeline and a Treestand Wingman. I settled into my stand, which overlooked a river and a natural funnel. My Darton Sequel 33 hung from a bowholder to my right, and I adjusted my HHA sight to 24 yards.
Scent Thief to the Rescue
As I sat in the tree trying to cool off, I observed a few squirrels rustling through the leaves. The clouds shielded me from the sun’s intense rays, and I felt a gentle breeze on the back of my neck. I wasn’t concerned about the wind, as the deer typically approached from behind my stand when moving through the funnel. To avoid any issues, I pulled out my bottle of Scent Thief and generously sprayed it on myself. I have had tremendous success with it over the past few years.
Watching Shadows
The setting sun cast longer shadows as it slowly sank in the western sky. Early in the season, the lease is thick with vegetation, so I needed to use binoculars to spot any movement. Around 5:30 PM, I grabbed my Hawke Endurance binoculars and scanned a section of woods after noticing something moving in the dense cover. Three does were making their way toward my stand, and they were approaching from downwind. I quickly sprayed myself down with Scent Thief, then attached my cell phone to my Painted Arrow Outdoors Mag Pro Plus. I wanted to be ready to video the hunt if the deer came closer.
Moment of Truth
The does slowly made their way along the hillside toward my stand. I grabbed my Hawke Endurance Rangefinder and scanned a few trees to get an accurate distance. I set my HHA sight to 24 yards, knowing I could aim higher for a longer shot or lower for a closer shot.
Three does walked along the hillside to my left, while two more approached up the main trail. A mature doe descended the hillside and stopped about fifteen yards from my stand. I sat patiently, waiting for her to turn broadside and provide a clear shot. She looked my way and bobbed her head, trying to discern the shape in the tree. I remained still, hoping she would stay calm.
When the doe finally turned broadside, I knew it was time to draw my Sequel 33. The green pin on my HHA sight floated on her vitals, and since she was close, I aimed lower. I applied light pressure to my thumb button, and the Black Eagle Spartan arrow left my bow. The red Halo Nock streaked toward the doe and then disappeared.
The doe kicked as the Grim Reaper Hybrid head passed through her. She bolted toward the thick cover but didn’t make it; she fell and expired within twenty yards. The Grim Reaper Hybrid head lived up to its motto, Watch ’em Drop!
Donation Station
I didn’t want the warm temperatures to spoil the meat, so I field-dressed the doe right away. After that, I walked back to my truck and removed some of my camouflage gear, knowing I would soon feel warm. I then returned to the doe and used my drag rope to pull her back to the truck. Once she was loaded into the bed of my truck, I called my buddy, Brian, to ask about local processors. He provided me with the address of a nearby processor, and I was on my way.
The processor had a large walk-in cooler that was quite cold. I completed the necessary paperwork and placed the doe inside the cooler. I decided to donate the doe to the Ohio Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry program. I felt happy knowing that the doe would help families in need. I have donated deer to this program before and appreciate their outreach efforts. As hunters, it is rewarding to know we can assist people beyond the hunting community.
