NH opening day...got a nice spike.

I left camp just before 6am. Walked up into the woods to the spot I picked out back in October during the small game hunt. Snow had fallen yesterday but warmed up during the day making it crunchy this morning from the overnight drop to 22*. There was no "sneaking" into the spot. about 6:50 there was just a hint of snowflakes in the air. At 7:20 I heard a twig snap on the ridge across from mine (60 yards) and here comes a lone deer. I didn't have a scoped rifle but instead the Henry 45-70 with Tru-Glo sights loaded with a Lee 340gr FN. I watched as this doe came down across the lower flat to the creek below and got a drink.

While the head was down, I slowly pulled up the rifle and positioned myself for her to cross the creek and up on my side. She stepped out from behind a big pine tree and I took my shot. DRT.

Now...to my surprise, it turned out to be a spike buck. He had his ears up over the antlers the whole time. Hidden from my view. Without a scope there was no seeing them. I'm VERY glad there are no antler restrictions in NH.

anyway...meat for the freezer...I'm happy.

redhawk

Attachment 230380Attachment 230381

Congrats! Fresh venison is always good. My season opens tomorrow morning. Doesn't really matter if I get something on opening day, but I have to be out there.

good job
mine opens Saturday been seeing some big deer
hope to cross paths with one

congrats on the fresh venison our bow season opened sept 9th and general gun on oct 20

bet you can cut them steaks with a spoon, that's gonna be some real nice eaten, congrats

Nice job, congratulations

Lots better eating than an old buck. When we came under antler restrictions, I learned that binocs were indispensible- even more so hunting with iron sights. My daughter gave me a Vortex monocular that's so handy for stalking and still hunting, I've relegated my Leupold binocs to stand use. I'm glad to hear that 340 Lee boolit was used- seems like it's overlooked for hunting purposes. Way to go!

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Thanx guys...I took it to the check station...he weighed in at 125lbs. not too bad...I had a monster last year from the same location...168lbs. This one was better dragging for sure except I had to cross back over the creek....the deer just get washed out that way, I guess.

I am pushing that 340gr Lee at ~1250fps. It made two holes...the gozinta was 1/2" diameter...the gozouta was about 2" on the opposite side just behind the shoulder. It didn't ruin much of the shoulder meat at all but sure messed up the lungs. Placement, placement, placement....

redhawk

Congratulations!

Fine eating

congrats

Very nice ! Ours also starts Saturday.

Good shooting , Our rifle opens Sat. as well

Congrats!!! Nice eating.

Tender and tasty. It's always feels better when you cast your own. Our gun season opens for 3 days starting tomorrow. Split season. Took a medium doe with a bow this morning. Saw a nice buck chasing does but I couldn't call him in. They are on the move in Central Illinois. Come on Mr Mossy horns.

Nice shooting! What was your alloy? Any ideas on velocity or range?

Good shootin' & good eatin'

Finally got home from my hunt today. (I was playing Dog for the other guys since Wed afternoon...alas...no success)....but....I had the heart for dinner tonight. Split it length wise, remove all the valve, ligaments and fat . Cut into 3/8" x 2" pieces. Throw it in a bowl with a marinade of red wine, garlic, horse radish, a dash of Tabasco, and a little water....let it sit a few hours....lay them out on aluminum foil and broil them 5-7 min per side.

Oh man...its a killer dinner meat. I am so thankful for the harvest this year.

redhawk

Congrats on some fine eating and some grate shooting ; )
H/D