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Hoyt_Trykon
31-03-07, 11:33 AM
After doing the hard yards trying to gain access onto a property inhabiting rusa deer down NSW south coast, my two hunting mates (Wazza_trykon and Trent) and I finally gained access to a prime location to hunt these elusive deer. We headed off to the property last Friday arvo just to let the owner know that we will be hunting on the Saturday and to have a scout around the area to try and work out the deer’s feeding areas.

Soon as we arrived at the property the owner warmly welcomed us and he kindly pointed us into the right direction. After a 200 metre walk down the track we spotted several deer take off from our left. That sure got the blood pumping. We continued our walk up the mountain just as it was approaching dark and saw a few more deer before we headed off home.

After a bit of convincing dad decided to take Saturday off to take me for my first rusa hunt early Saturday morning. We arrived at the place around 5am and had a lil nap while we were waiting for it to get a tad lighter. We gathered our gear and headed straight up the mountain towards where we saw the last group of deer the day before as the area looked pretty promising, with a great clearing and also a dam for the deer.

As we crept over the tip of the hill I spotted four rusa deer feeding towards the lantana. I put in a stalk only to have the two stags sniffing up the does leading them even further up towards the lantana. We then decided to try and head towards another clearing where the farmer reckons you will always see deer. We continued our walk when, not even 20m from us 7 deer stood from their beds and starred straight at us. Shaking, I placed an Easton axis full metal jacket on the string tipped with a razor sharp razorcap three blade broad head and slowly drew back the 70lbs, which seem like a tonne. I steadied the twenty-metre pin for a frontal shot on the closest doe and released. The arrow flew true and whacked the doe through the front of its chest exiting between its legs. We sat and waiting patiently before tracking down the animal.

We followed a very heavy and consistent blood trail through the thick lantana. After 200 metres, we eventually gave up with no deer due to a visitor, which landed in my boot (a spider) and decided to have a nice bite on my ankle. It was a shame but there’s always next time. Can't wait for the rut. All in all it was a fantastic day, having shot my first ever deer with the bow and seeing all them deer in their natural habitat. That trip was also the first time I have seen rusa in the wild. I think I have just landed myself a prime hunting location.

Here are a few pics

Where i put a stalk in on the first four deer we saw on the trip.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a149/hoyt-usa/SPA51804.jpg
The little clearing where i shot my doe
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a149/hoyt-usa/SPA51800.jpg
blood from where the doe was standing when i shot her
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a149/hoyt-usa/SPA51798.jpg

A little guest we stumbled on
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a149/hoyt-usa/SPA51811.jpg
A view of the coast from our property
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a149/hoyt-usa/SPA51806.jpg
Our hunting area
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a149/hoyt-usa/SPA51805.jpg
My favourite pic of the guy who has taught most and almost everythign of what i know bout hunting, my dad.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a149/hoyt-usa/SPA51807.jpg

Shadow
31-03-07, 11:55 AM
Congratulations on your first hunt, but don't forget that, as a hunter you have an obligation to track down and ensure your quarry is not suffering. If it was a snake bite or other more serious injury well and good, but a spider bite is not likely to kill you. I would suggest wearing 'bowyangs' or gaiters to aid against that eventuallity. Once again though, congratulations.

STEALTH
31-03-07, 08:20 PM
The Rusa can be tricky at times.Even with a good shot due to their toughness and the terrain you have to prapare for a big day tracking these guys down.
Too bad about not finding your doe but in the end it looks like you learned alot from this hunt so at least you can take something back with you.
Good story and pics, better luck next time.

XTfreak
31-03-07, 08:59 PM
To bad about the doe. Live and learn eh. Better luck next time...
Bill