Ohio Doe #2

Ohio Doe #2

After successfully harvesting my target buck on the first night of the Pennsylvania archery season, I shifted my focus to hunting the bucks I had captured on my SpyPoint cameras in Ohio. Before returning to the Ohio lease, I decided to purchase a second antlerless tag, as the lease was overrun with does. I wanted the tag handy in case a doe gave me another opportunity. I was confident that I would fill the second doe tag at some point during my time hunting on the lease.

 

 

Chasing Ohio Bucks

My SpyPoint Flex-S and Flex-M cameras captured numerous pictures of bucks moving through the lease. I had been busy finishing up my coaching duties for the high school soccer team, which prevented me from visiting the lease until my soccer season was over. Once the season concluded with a playoff loss, I turned my attention to the Ohio lease. I made plans to head there on the morning of October 25th. The weather was perfect for deer activity, and I hoped that a few bucks would be cruising for a hot doe.

 

 

A Perfect Morning

The morning of October 25th was nearly perfect. The wind was favorable, and the temperatures were comfortable. I climbed into the stand about half an hour before sunrise and prepared for the hunt. As the sun slowly rose in the east, it began to illuminate the woods around me. My Darton Sequel 33 hung from the bow hanger, and my new Painted Arrow Outdoors Mag-Pro camera arm held one of the two cameras I planned to use for filming that morning. The start was slow, but soon deer began to move everywhere, and I held out hope that a buck would appear.

 

 

Success

I was observing a few deer in the thick cover when I noticed three more deer approaching down the main trail by the river. I grabbed my Hawke binoculars to get a closer look at the lead doe and the two deer trailing behind her. The lead doe was noticeably large, and the two following her were button bucks. 

I turned on both cameras, picked up my Darton Sequel 33, and waited as the lead doe stepped into an opening about 25 yards away. Slowly, I drew back my Sequel 33 and aligned the green HHA single pin sight on her vitals. I touched off my release and watched the Black Eagle Spartan arrow fly toward the doe. The Red Halo nock disappeared behind her shoulder, and after a moment, she kicked and then ran a short distance before collapsing.

 

 

Watch Em Drop

I have used Grim Reaper Broadheads long enough to truly believe in their slogan, “Watch ‘Em Drop!” The micro hybrid head easily penetrated the doe’s vitals and struck both lungs. I am consistently impressed with how effectively Grim Reaper heads bring down animals quickly. One of my favorite aspects of Grim Reaper broadheads is how they paint the fallen leaves a bright red.

 

 

So Easy

I want to give a shoutout to the Ohio Division of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) for creating such an easy-to-use reporting system. After finding the doe, I accessed the DCNR website on my phone. After entering a few details, I successfully checked in my doe and was ready to field dress her. 

I walked back to my truck to drop off my backpack and Darton bow, and then I grabbed my jet sled. Once I returned to the doe, I loaded her into the jet sled and transported her back to the truck. It didn't take long to load her up and get her to the processor.

I can’t wait to head back to the lease again when the rut begins. I feel optimistic about my chances of seeing a nice buck there. Hopefully, I’ll get lucky the next time I sit in that stand. You never know what might walk through the lease.

 

 

Source: Ohio Doe #2