MN Ten Point Buck

by Drew Fussy

It was noon on Sunday and I had to head back to college that night in Ames Iowa. I declined my Dad's invitation to go back to my Uncle's house for lunch and catch up with the rest of our party. It was a warm breezy, but sunny afternoon and that midday relaxing feeling was starting to set in and I began to day dream a little. The day before two does and a small buck crossed through the section of forest that is split up from the rest by a Power High-line on one side and a bean field with a small pond/swamp/grassy area behind me at mid day. That took me by surprise and I was luckily able to make a shot at the field line as they were leaving. As I go through yesterdays hunt in my head, I'm baffled at what I'm hearing, continuous short, quick sets of grunting. My first reaction is to grab my bleat can and call back, before I make my first call I pick up the doe crossing into the section of woods, shortly after my attention goes back to the sound of breaking bush. About 85 yds away there is a buck and what looks like the crown jewels on his head looking right at me. I was almost certain he didn't pick me up and that was confirmed when he went right back to chasing that doe and grunting. I made sure not to look at his rack again until after I made my shot. During this time I had this sense of calmness about my self and the situation. Free standing I raised my gun and delivered the shot. He crouched up and made his way through some thick ground cover and continued on after that doe. As he round the thicket another shot was placed and he came to a stop and stood motionless. The third shot was placed and brought the buck to the ground. Not being able to see where the buck lay, I stayed in my stand for at least 15 to 20 mins making sure he wasn't going to rise from the dead and take off on me. It was during this time, after the shot that I became overwhelmed with buck fever. I couldn't control all the thoughts going through my head, the emotions I was feeling, so I just sat down and watched the area. Once settled I got down and approached the buck, the first thing I saw was a propped up head and rack. I yelled thank you and waited for my Dad to stop over after he finished his lunch.