Homcoming 2009

Homecoming 2009
by George Mitchell

2008 was an eventful and life changing year. Having triple bypass surgery in October, I felt truly blessed to be able to continue into 2009. After talking with my Cardiologist, I made arrangements to hunt the January rut with my friend Matt Free at Tatum Creek Hunting Camp. Tatum Creek is located just outside Selma Alabama. It had been several years since I last hunted with Matt and this trip felt like a homecoming of sorts. I was excited to arrive in camp, see my friends Matt and William, and meet the other hunters. Like myself, most of the other hunters in camp had hunted with Matt on previous occasions. All were excited and eager to get started. After settling into one of the rooms in the new lodge, I soaked up a little of the atmosphere. The lodge is truly a beautiful setting with its 25-foot high sealing and large stone fireplace. The abundance of whitetail mounts adorning the walls help fuel the excitement and anticipation of the coming hunt.

Prior to leaving for the afternoon hunt, we had a short meeting to discuss the rules and regulations that are part of hunting at Tatum Creek. Safety is paramount with the quality deer management plan coming in a close second. Hunters get a refresher on State regulations, safe hunting practices, and are advised not to shoot 2½ year old bucks even though they would meet the 15-inch inside spread restriction and score upwards of 120. We were asked to look for deer 3 ½ years of age and older. (Short of assigning a guide to sit in the stand with each hunter, not much more can be done to protect the younger deer.) During this time, we were also briefed on the number of does that still needed to be taken per the management plan.

The first afternoon found me setting in a comfortable box blind overlooking a food plot that was surrounded on two sides by CRP and a hardwood bottom on the back. As the sun started to go down, several does entered the food plot. A young spike came out of the woods with his neck outstretched and lip curled. He immediately stated chasing the does that were in the food plot. At dark a good looking 2-½ year old worked the edge of the plot checking for does, as well.

The next morning was cold with 15 mph wind gusts. I was sitting in another elevated box blind watching a food plot surrounded on two sides by CRP with hardwoods and pines behind. I started seeing deer moving though the CRP at first light. About 9:00 o’clock I watched two does travel through the CRP and enter the woods. I noted their range at 187-yards. I had a good feeling about seeing the does and sure enough, about ten minutes later a nice buck followed their scent down the same trail. I immediately opened the plexiglass window of the shooting house and got ready for the shot. This buck has no intention of stopping. So I took a comfortable lead and squeezed the trigger. At the shot, the buck did not even flinch. He continued to trail the does as if nothing had happened. In disbelief I chambered a second round, adjusted my lead, and squeezed. When the shot broke, the buck hunched down, ran about 15-yards then piled up in the edge of the woods. After regaining my composure, I called Matt to let him know that I had one down and went over to put my hands on him. He was an awesome 3 ½ year old, 18-inch wide, mainframe 8-pointer. I thanked God for the privilege and blessing of this special homecoming.