Two deer in one afternoon

[T.R.]

I hunted on NOV 3 at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland with my buddies. We're all retired Veterans. My tree stand was approx 20 ft high overlooking an open ambush area within a hardwood forest of oaks, hickorys, hollys, maples, and persimmons. I had good shooting lanes over lower limbs and brush.

At 3PM two young deer approached the open area. When the first one was broadside at approx 20 yards, I aimed just behind the foreleg and launched a bolt from my crossbow. The animal flinched and then wobbled away for less than 15 yards. Then it toppled over. The second deer was nervous but didn't run away into the safety of this vast forest. Instead it walked in a wide circle that brought it nearly straight down from my elevated position. I aimed for the spine and launched my second bolt. The animal collapsed. Blood gushed from its lower chest where the powerful bolt exited the body. This animal also died in less than 10 seconds which is a testimony to modern equipment and good shot placement. First deer turned out to be a button buck but second is a doe. Both are young deer and not mature sized but genuine dinner plate trophies!

We're praising God for this welcome venison!
TR

[skeet]

Good for you TR.. Lots of deer on Aberdeen. One time many years ago while fishing with my father we caught a deer floundering in the channel out there. Lassoed it pulled it into the boat...and took it towards shore. When we got to shallow water..the deer jumped out of the boat and waded to shore. Doubt you can get that close to the place any more....oh we caught a bunch of rock that day too. smaller 3 to 5 lb fish.. Those ol crossbows are awesome aren't they? Still a bow though..no better range..at least for me

[T.R.]

Hunting on the Proving Grounds involves a long process including criminal background check and finding a Sponser. All hunts are managed by Federal Authorities; Maryland State Gov't is not a player. I've had a good time there hunting with retired Veterans and active duty soldiers. There are many deer but they're wild and spooky within the designated hunting units.

I hunted with a recurve bow for 26 years. Never did get bitten by the compound bug. But an unhealed elbow injury in the 1990's ended my recurve shooting. So I bought this crossbow and it turned out to be a KEEPER!

crossbow: HuntMaster (name changed to Ten Point after a time)

bolts: aluminum Easton XX75

broadheads: ThunderHead or Cabela's Lazer Pro (they're both excellent)

Good hunting to you.

TR

[skeet]

Yep.. Got an invite out there last year. neat place to hunt..a bit structured but plenty deer. I've shot a bit over on Dover AFB but they want you to have a pass anymore.. just don't go there enough to go do all the crap to get it..... Used to shoot at Andrews too but they closed the range many years ago. Many years ago I used to go over to Spesutie Island and pick up 50 cal and 20 mm brass.. They had patrols around the place... Evidently there is unexploded ordnance over there.. There was some good fishing over that way too

[VaRedneck]

Congrats on the twins.

I've taken the same pair of young ones twice in my life. Both with a rifle..both within a minute of each other. Their bond is pretty strong...looking for each other.

The first pair though kinda soured me on it a bit. After I finished field dressing the second, I straightened up and noticed momma watching me from 40-50 yds away.

Now, I say soured..not put me offa it. The second pair went down after I had them as live decoys under my stand for a few hrs one day. At dusk, when they got up to wonder off and having not attracted anything bigger my way...they went home with me instead.

Happy hunting