Firearms Opening Weekend 2004

from the desk of David Simmons

It all began October 9^th, 2004 when I went to check a trail cam we had put on what we thought was early rut sign. When I returned to the hillside, it was covered with hot sign. I quickly changed the film in the camera, and left to go find some help to hang Dennis’ stand, as it was the only one we had with us at the time.

There were four other prostaffers on the property at the time and poor old Dennis was the first one I found. Off we went to hang Dennis’ stand riding on his four-wheeler. At some point while hanging the stand he told me he was not going to be able to hunt the next weekend due to a trip with his wife. At that time I promised it would have to be a big one for me to shoot.

The next weekend, October 16^th was opening day of firearm season. My nephew Christopher Roberts (second year member, but unable to deer hunt last season due to work. It’s a shame when work gets in the way) was with me.

We were in the stand well before first light. At 9:30 all we had seen was a fox squirrel so I hit the rattle bag lightly and several soft grunts, and I thought I heard a grunt down the hill but wasn't sure. I gave one more soft grunt and there was no doubt this time at what I'd heard.

I told Chris to get ready and we watched for what seemed like an eternity. I pulled out my primos call and gave one soft bleat and saw movement. At first it was movement, then it was a deer, then it was a buck.

As the deer came closer it got bigger and bigger. Nice 10 point, at 70 yards the deer turned broad side. I instructed Chris to shoot. No shot. As I told him to shoot for the second time a shot rang out and the deer dropped!

After waiting twenty minutes, we made our way to the deer. I looked at my watch it was 10:00 AM. It's an 11-point, four on right and seven on left.

Congratulations to Chris on his best buck yet! I couldn't be happier for him.

Now back to Dennis for a minute, did I mention I had borrowed his four-wheeler since he was going to be out of town? Now we have shot a big deer out of his stand and are hauling it out on his four-wheeler. Sorry, Dennis.

For a guided hunt by Deibler Outdoors or to join one of our group hunts contact Deibler Outdoors at (770) 377-5321 or visit us on the web at: http://www.deibleroutdoors.com