I took a long trip from Florida to Kentucky to celebrate my birthday in November with some friends. While there, I planned to spend two days in the field. I saw some does, a spike, and a buck in the area, but nothing too impressive.
On the afternoon of the second day, I spotted a big buck in the tree line over 500 yards away. Unfortunately, time ran out, and he never gave me a chance to take a shot. Determined, I decided to extend my hunt for one more morning before celebrating my birthday later that afternoon.
Around 9 a.m., the buck appeared again—this time closer but still inside the tree line and thick brush, offering no clear shot. I grunted, and he responded immediately, moving in my direction but staying covered by the pines. I grunted a few more times, and he kept coming.
Eventually, he emerged from the tree line. A doe appeared behind me, while another doe with a fawn stood off to my left. As the buck moved toward the doe, likely in heat, I positioned myself for a shot. Suddenly, he took off running but stopped at 180 yards—giving me the perfect opportunity to harvest my 10-pointer.
A birthday gift I won’t forget!
