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pilot · Dec 29, 2023

I finished deer hunting this evening by filling my last tag with my flintlock T/C Hawken. I thought I missed when all four does took off at the shot. I couldn't tell which one I shot at due to the smoke. I went to where she was standing and could not find blood or hair so I followed the path I thought she took. Never found blood, but could see the deer about 30 yards to my right. Never saw her fall. None of them looked hit and I was assuming I missed. I was pleasantly surprised when I found her.

I'll post a picture from my phone.

pilot · Dec 29, 2023

Stykbow · Dec 29, 2023

Congrats!

Christophero · Dec 29, 2023

Excellent and Good for You!
It is quite common to watch a fatally wounded deer/animal run off as if nothing ever touched them. Glad you followed up and recovered her, though you initially had your doubts. Fine hunting, killing and harvesting you prey. Looks like a perfect shot, too.

Silky921 · Dec 29, 2023

Congratulations on the successful hunt to you.

Skychief · Dec 29, 2023

Beautiful doe. Congratulations!

pilot · Dec 29, 2023

Thanks, all.

I learned the hard way years ago about following up my shot when bow hunting. I don't always find a deer I've shot at, but I always make the effort. I figure I owe it to the deer. They sometimes heal up with errant arrows. I've had that happen several times over the years. Still, you have to assume the deer is hit if you shoot until you can prove otherwise or exhaust all avenues of search. If you deer hunt long enough, you will lose one on occasion.

TDM · Dec 29, 2023

Well done! Congratulations!

D.Summers · Dec 29, 2023

Fine shot!!

ETipp · Dec 30, 2023

pilot said:
I finished deer hunting this evening by filling my last tag with my flintlock T/C Hawken. I thought I missed when all four does took off at the shot. I couldn't tell which one I shot at due to the smoke. I went to where she was standing and could not find blood or hair so I followed the path I thought she took. Never found blood, but could see the deer about 30 yards to my right. Never saw her fall. None of them looked hit and I was assuming I missed. I was pleasantly surprised when I found her.

I'll post a picture from my phone.

Right on bro. Ya did good, and with a flintlock to boot.

You will have some good eating there.

pilot · Dec 30, 2023

ETipp said:
Right on bro. Ya did good, and with a flintlock to boot.

You will have some good eating there.

Thanks. Skinning and quartering is on the agenda today.

The whole scene was almost comical. There were four in a tight group. The one I shot stepped into a good opening at 60 yards. At the shot, they all went bounding off in the same general direction, but were zigging and zagging. I had no clue which one to watch.

The setup on the rifle worked great. It is a kit I assembled 30 some years ago, got frustrated with the lock, traded it to a friend, and traded back for it two years ago. I bought a replacement lock from a member here. I added the Williams sight this spring.

I was limiting my shot to 50 yards due to lack of confidence in my ability, but couldn't pass on this doe. I'm very happy with how it worked out. Obviously I need to be shooting this rifle a lot more to increase my confidence, but a Kibler SMR in 40 cal fell into my lap, so to speak, and it has been getting most of my attention.

Andrewmtnman · Dec 30, 2023

Very nice! Great lesson for me. Thanks for sharing. Where did you hit her?

pilot · Dec 30, 2023

Andrewmtnman said:
Very nice! Great lesson for me. Thanks for sharing. Where did you hit her?

I hit her high in the shoulder. I usually try to hit a spot 2 inches above the elbow. This one was just above mid line and a couple inches further forward than I prefer. If you look closely, you can see the entry wound.

New Hampshire · Dec 30, 2023

Outstanding! Love to see that NH smoke pole do its job.

Britsmoothy · Dec 30, 2023

Well done

Spikebuck · Dec 30, 2023

Congratulations! :thumb:

Thingamajiggy · Dec 30, 2023

Great deer! Nice job following up, even with no sign. Congrats!

Andrewmtnman · Dec 30, 2023

pilot said:
I hit her high in the shoulder. I usually try to hit a spot 2 inches above the elbow. This one was just above mid line and a couple inches further forward than I prefer. If you look closely, you can see the entry wound.

Where did the ball stop? Assuming it didn’t go through

pilot · Dec 30, 2023

Andrewmtnman said:
Where did the ball stop? Assuming it didn’t go through

Complete pass through. That 50 caliber ball didn't stop. I load 80 grains of FFFG.

Also, I'm eating a tenderloin right now.

Andrewmtnman · Dec 30, 2023

pilot said:
Complete pass through. That 50 caliber ball didn't stop. I load 80 grains of FFFG.

Also, I'm eating a tenderloin right now.

Wow, I’m surprised with no blood. That’s a big hole

. Enjoy that loin

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