It finally stopped raining around 6 am. The ground was muddy, the air started to warm up, and the wind started to gust between 15 & 30 mph. The conditions were rather meek for hunting.

After the morning hunt, with no hope of the deer moving, I went back out into the woods. I sat on a tripod chair between two large redwoods. Placing my Tink 69 up on a branch to cover my scent I sat with the wind blowing into my face.

The location I picked was about 75 yards into the wood right next to a 30-acre Cornfield. To my right was a well-worn path used by many animals, especially deer.

Around 5:45pm, after the winds died down to a mere 5 mph, three small squirrels ran past where I sat. They were running towards the cornfield. The three of them running fast to see which one would be the first one to get an ear of corn. The race was close. Within moments all three squirrels returned with a corncob in their mouths.

I determined that feeding time had begun. I searched the forest and saw nothing. Then at 6:50pm I heard the moving of leaves. I looked and saw a 9-point deer approaching. Since I was up wind of him, I knew I just had to wait. I ducked behind the tree, grabbed my bow, and went to full draw.

I slowly broke out from the tree and placed my pin upon his ribs - right below his right shoulder blade. He turned and posed in a sneak position looking directly at me. I saw his crown and was awed. I waited, he was looking right at me still, but since he couldn't detect my scent he stayed calm. He looked left and took one step left giving me a clear shot. I released the arrow. It slammed into his side with a loud thunk. He bucked like a bronco, made a hard turn left, and ran bolted down the path.

It hit me! I got my first buck with a bow!

I called my buddies on the radio and told them I just harvested my first bow buck. They told me to get back to the truck, drop off my bow and hunting stuff, and to bring back the cart. By the time I met my buddies with the cart it was pitch black! We searched for one and a half hours and then heard my deer get up and run again. We then called it off for the night and went back to the trucks.

My Buddies said, I am on my own for finding the deer in the morning. However, if I didn't find it by 10:00 they would help look for him.

At 7:15 am Sunday I was out in the woods looking to find my deer. I noticed he was running west bound. I went to my Hunting ground about 200 Yards to the west of where we last saw him and began back tracking to where we last marked the blood. However, I didn't have to go far.

Five minutes into the woods, That’s when I saw him. My first Buck with a Bow! He weighted in at approx 150 lbs, with 9 points on his crown.

I slide down the steep hill, field dressed the deer, pulled him to the bottom of the hill, and decide waited for the Calvary to arrive. For when I looked up the hill, I soon realized I was in a deep gully, measuring 12 feet deep.

I waited no more than an hour and as planned the Calvary of three other buddy hunters arrived. Each one with a smile on his face. We pulled, tugged, and counted to three - several times - and hoisted the majestic 9 point out of the gully. It took another hour to get him back to the trucks.

I dropped him off to be processed at the local meat-processing center, and took his cape home. I called all my friends and family to tell them of my prize.

Now, I write you to inform you too of my prize. I was a great hunt and great hunting season. Thus far I have harvested a 12lb Turkey Hen and a 9-point Buck.

Upon arriving home I discovered my wife had prepared a great dinner too. It was the turkey hen I harvested last week. What a way to the a hunting weekend. Bravo!