Big Buck Down

The Morning Feel

It was Thanksgiving morning, still dark outside, when Jose and I arrived at our hunting property. We had been bowhunting hard the past three weeks and even during our “rutcation” we were unable to punch any tags. I had gotten my archery buck in October, so my main focus was to get Jose a deer, and then harvest a doe for myself. Gun season was quickly creeping up and Jose would be welcoming his new daughter into the world in just a few weeks. Our archery chances were rapidly narrowing. As we hopped out of the truck to gear up, I had a feeling that this morning was going to be a great hunt. It’s that feeling of excitement and anticipation because the conditions and circumstances seem to align. For the stand Jose was going to set, the wind was perfect and he’d be in a prime location for cruising bucks.

The Excitement Kicks Up

The sunlight starts to flood our surroundings as I constantly scan for movement. Something catches my eye on the opposite end of the field. I keen in on it and see 2 small bucks. I watch them casually walk, and up ahead of them a big buck steps out with a doe. My eyes grow wide. Right now they’re a good 500 yards away from Jose, but if they just keep following the field’s edge, he could have a chance.

Despair Sets In

As each second goes by they close the distance even further. The big buck is only 200 yards away and still following the edge of the field. The buck goes to chase the doe and she hops into the forest. My heart sinks. The last glimpse I have through the binoculars is the buck following her, taking a hard left turn, directly away. I desperately search the tree line for movement, but they are nowhere to be found. I try to remain positive that they could return, but the reality of it is loudly crowding my mind.

A True Blessing

Only about 5 eternal minutes pass but then it happens. The buck and doe step back into the field and continue walking the edge towards Jose. My senses begin to heighten as I feel the adrenaline creep through my body. The doe leads the buck out into the field and once more I get nervous. It appears as if they will pass by Jose, but way too far out in the field for any shot.

But then something happened that made me know that this was a gift. For no real particular reason, the doe turns abruptly to walk along the forest edge. I knew in this moment that Jose would definitely have his chance.

I look up into the tree and can see that Jose is at full draw now just waiting. The doe continues along then cuts into the forest on a trail that is perfectly perpendicular to his stand, at only 18 yards away. The buck is hanging back, stopped and looking at where she entered. Then he commits and follows her exact path. He stops just as he turns broadside to Jose and he let’s an arrow fly!

The buck runs off into the field and I am desperately trying to find signs of a good hit. For a second I think I see a blood spot right behind his shoulder. I keep staring intently through the binoculars and I see the buck’s back legs start to get loose as he runs. His body starts swaying and then he goes down!

A Connection Through Hunting

The Effort Spent

As soon as the buck hits the ground, all at once a barrage of emotions bombard me. There’s no question if Jose has been hit with the same feelings because we simultaneously start screaming from our stands! In that moment, you would have had to literally kill me to remove the smile from my face.

The gratitude we felt for this moment in time came from the countless hours and days we spent in pursuit. For years, we have dreamed of a hunt playing out as it did just now, right before our eyes. The perseverance it took to accomplish this was indescribable.

An Emotional Experience

I realize my excitement is high so I am extra cautious as I get down out of my stand. I start off across the field towards Jose but I can’t take the anticipation, so I begin running! Jose is out in the field waiting for me and when I finally make it, there are tears in his eyes. My voice cracks as the emotions consume us and I give him a hug. It’s an emotion that no article, picture, or video could ever fully capture. True understanding of it can only come from the experience and the unspoken connection we shared together.

More Than The Hunt

The harvest of this buck brought more than just meat in the freezer or antlers on the wall. Jose shared with me that during this hunt he called upon his loved ones who had passed away years ago. He asked that they help provide him with an opportunity. He asked that they help him make a lethal and ethical shot. His prayers had been answered in that moment and Jose could feel their presence all around him.

This hunt overwhelmed us both with gratitude. Gratitude for the kill, for our friendship, for the experience and so much more. It was a moment that was liberating physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We will take away things from that hunt that will forever remain vivid in our lives. It is these connections, emotions, and lessons learned that I strive to capture. It is my definition of More Than The Hunt that I wish to share with you and the world.

Wim Hof has been an inspiration in my life and I’ll end with this appropriate quote here, “Feeling Is Understanding.”