Happy Day

[airborne]

Well, this must be my lucky week. I become a member,on this site and today I shot a nine point buck. Today was the last day for rifle in PA. Biggest rack I have shot so far. The deer was a good size too. I was able to get a head shot so I didn't hurt any meat. Soon it will be time for the smoke poles and a doe. The wife is going to can this one. Got to love that woman.

[hunterNick]

Congrads,
but by the way head shoots arnt that good when you can just shoot them wright behind the shoulder!

[beeell]

Just curious, way would you take a head shot on a nice 9 point, your biggest deer? Even if you planned to just mount the antlers, or no mount at all, you still run the risk of missing the head all together, or knocking one of the antlers off. Do you eat the ribs? I know some guys like them, but personally theres not enough meat on the ribs for me to consider a head shot first. Just wondering. BTW Coongrats one the deer, my year will probably be a bust. I can't seem to get the time to get out this year. Many factors beyond my control.

[airborne]

And now the rest of the story... I had just pushed deer in another patch of woods. When we went to a new section, I thought I was standing. The other guys called me on the radio the ask how far I had moved. At this point, the light came on and I started to walk. After about only 40 yds, I came across this deer laying in the snow kicking its hind legs. I saw it had been shot but the top of the head was facing away from me and buried in the snow. I didn't hear the shot but figured someone would come looking for it soon. I shot it in the head because it was not my deer and I didn't want to ruin some elses meat. I could not see the rack so I thought it was a doe. The rack is very small and has no long points. It wasn't until I walked up to it that I saw the one side. Believe me I was very suprised. There was no blood trail and the bullet did not exit. It looked like a small caliber hole. Well long story short, nobody came to claim it so I tagged and dragged. I guess God figures I cann't hit crap standing so he gave me one that couldn't run away. And that is the rest of the story :)

[Brent]

"Very small 9 point rack" Sounds like you guys need some more minerals, vitamins, or just better food sources for those deer so they get a bigger spread.

[airborne]

We have a huge crop base in PA. There are several corn fields that stay out all winter, acorns and apples are plentyful. The grasses grow tall and the oats wheat and soybean grow everywhere. The temps have been very mild this fall. We have been in a rack restriction for a couple years yet the racks still are narrow and lack long tines. The gamelands have food plots on them. I don't know what else can be done but wait a couple more years and hope.

[beeell]

OK, now I see. Is it possible the deer is just young? The eight point I got two years ago only aged at 1 1/2 yrs acording to the biologist. The rack wasn't huge but definately a solid eight. Needless to say I was very suprised. Apparently the area around here has very good food and genetics, which resulted in some very nice deer.

[airborne]

Beeell,

I was stationed in Grand Rapids for 4 years on recruiting duty with the Army. I never got to hunt due to the hours I worked. I used to go down to Wayland High School and would see some nice deer. How has your hunting been this year?

[farmer]

I would not mind shooting a nine pointer. We get big hogs but when it comes to deer our farm is right in the middle of a genetic dead zone. Drive 60 miles in any direction and you will find the biggest deer you have ever seen but right around our place its nothing but middle aged four-six pointers. In East Texas the state has put antler restrictions on deer in hopes of improving the quality of the animals. If they ever do that in my county nobody will be able to shoot anything but does and spikes.

[beeell]

Not so good for me this year. I've only been out maybe 4 times this year, a huge drop from normal for me. I've seen a couple of does, and one small buck, but nothing I wanted to shoot. If I had known I couldn't get out more this year I would have shot at least the does. Hind sight...right. Next couple of weeks might be different, but who knows. It'll be archery, and I'm out of venisn, so if I do get out, I'll make it happen.

[airborne]

Good luck.... My two boys and I hunt and we have only taken two deer. Muzzeloader will be in on the 26th and we should get another one or two. We canned the first one and are almost out of meat. The wife had me buy a 1/4 beef. It won't taste the same but it will keep my belly full while I hunt.

[beeell]

I've never had canned venison. How is that done, and how's it taste? Maybe I'll try it. Usually I freeze it, and or turn it into sausage. My dad and I make alot of sausage, so when I get a deer its like a nice bonus for us at sausage time.

[airborne]

The wife fills the 1 quart mason jar with cubed meat. She adds two teaspoons of garlic or oinions pepper and 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Make sure you fill the jar with meat. Screw the lid and ring on tight. Boil it for 5 to 6 hours. (make sure you add hot water to the canning pot as it boils down). Remove jars and let cool. After cooling, check to ensure the lid is concave. It is very tender and you can eat it later out of the jar with your fav beer and buddies. 1/2 quart jars boil 2 to 3 hours

[beeell]

Sounds interesting. Hopefully I'll get to try it this year.