These are some of the animals my hunting buddies and I killed (not harvested) in North and South Carolina in the 2000-2001 season. Most of the deer were taken in Chatham County, NC on some leased land near Jordan Lake.
I shot this deer from a stand I have been using for 10 years. In all this time, I had killed alot of does and passed on many small bucks, but I had never seen a really good deer. When It's your turn they will come.
After years of experience as an observer and target practicing at the club, 11 year old Ben Baker decided it was time to test his skills. Having extensively scouted the area, Ben decided a ground blind and bag of corn was the best choice for a successful first hunt. After a long cold wait (about 10 minutes!), Ben took a fine doe using his 45 Colt single shot rifle! It was impossible to tell who was the most excited, Ben or his Dad Bill, who filmed the hunt. What a great memory this will be. Ben is now getting ready for the buck he is sure he will take next season. It just goes to show that hard work and practice pays off! WAY TO GO BEN!!
PS - This was also the first hunt for Joe's Lab, Molly, who is in training as a tracking dog. Her performance was flawless.
Joe came back from a morning hunt to find this deer hanging in his shop. By the close inspection he is giving it, he might be thinking 'Why didn't you walk by my tree .big boy'.
This is George with a very nice buck he shot with his blackpowder gun. He shot the deer offhand as it chased a doe up the ridge past him.
Joe and I went to South Carolina to hunt deer and hogs in October of 2000. This is 200 lb. sow that made the mistake of coming his way. Those pigs better watch where they walk around this fellow!
This is Molly, Joes's Laborador Retriever. We have been training her to follow a blood trail. Everytime we shoot a deer, we put her on the spot where the deer was standing when shot. It is important not to walk to the downed deer first, as you do not want the dog to track your scent. This worked like a charm. After only a few times, she knew what to do. She is resting now, having finished eating a shoulder from Ben's deer that was cooked as her reward for a job well done.
This tiny critter is Josie. She is my 11 year old daughter's Rat Terrier. I have hopes of teaching her to tree squirrels, but I am holding off until she is as big as one. If it works out you will be seeing Josie again.
