Hunter: Katie Tanner
Points: 8 (4L, 4R)
County: Johnson
Season: 2015-2016
Hunt Story
We had been hunting this buck for awhile, and before each hunt, my dad would choose which stand to hunt in. His normal implications were always wrong, and it was time for a change. I ended up selecting a stand that I had not hunted in this season; we called it "Success". Once we were settled in Success, we scanned the field for any deer activity. Seeing none, my hopes were let down a bit, but I stayed optimistic and kept searching. About 30 minutes later, my dad spotted two does who were looking real hard toward our stand, but soon after began to feed. Not 10 minutes later, a small spike came running directly under our stand and went to eat in the field. Then three more does came running out and ate near the spike, but he chased them into the woods. About 20 minutes later, a small 6-point walked out, and ate where the spike had. He was soon joined by two does and another 6-point that was slightly larger than himself. That buck made a scrape right out in front of us, then went toward the other deer. My dad and I watched this with giddy excitement, hoping that they would fight. Out of nowhere he came out, the buck I had yearned for since I had seen a picture of him. It was the big 8-point. My dad spotted him first and kept on saying, "There he is, there he is." He was just excited as I. I quickly grabbed my .243 but my dad told me to use his 30-06. As I was aiming, all I could focus on was the buck, then BANG! He kicked up high and ran off into the woods. Buck fever quickly set in my bones, and I began to shake violently. Thankfully this was after my shot. I continually asked my dad if we could go look for the buck, but he made me wait before I got down. Soon 10 minutes felt like an hour. Finally we climbed out of the stand and began our search, it didn't take long, for he left a great blood trail. His right antler was caught on a tree when we found him, and my nerves had settled. I had killed my first buck; my dad kept telling me that it was awesome, and we high-fived a lot. I am thankful God blessed this hunt.
