Patience Rewarded on Acorn Ridge

I hope the Lost Nation Tribe is connecting with the wilderness and embracing the challenge of traditional bowhunting this deer season!

I wanted to share a truly memorable hunting experience from this past week, a testament to understanding deer behavior and adapting to the ever-changing forest. The evening before had been unsuccessful, despite my careful scouting and preparation. The deer weren't moving where I expected, which led me to realize the critical importance of locating an active acorn source. Their dietary needs, especially this time of year, often dictate their movements.

With that vital insight, I recalibrated my strategy. The following morning, well before dawn, I positioned myself strategically on an acorn ridge I had previously identified, where mature oak trees generously dropped their bounty. The air was crisp, and the pre-dawn quiet was punctuated only by the distant hoot of an owl. I settled in, blending into the natural surroundings, prepared for what I hoped would be a more fruitful encounter with nature.

At approximately 8:30 AM, my patience was rewarded as seven bucks emerged. The most mature buck approached within 28 yards. Drawing my recurve bow, I released a wood cedar arrow, fletched with feathers harvested from a spring turkey. The shot was a complete pass-through, landing slightly forward, and left an excellent blood trail. The buck traveled about 250 yards downhill before it expired. The experience left me with the kind of excitement I felt as a kid shooting my very first buck with my dad!

I genuinely love traditional bowhunting and am eager to hear the deer season stories from our Lost Nation Tribe. Be sure to share your story with us!

- Blake