Author Topic: Annabells first deer  (Read 960 times)

Offline foresterdj

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Annabells first deer
« on: November 06, 2023, 04:16:34 AM »
Annabell is the .45 flintlock I built 2 winters ago. Missed all of last season (My Dad passed away) so this year I said the first legal deer to step out is going down.

Today is the second day of our season in northern MN. Yesterday a 6 point ghosted by too far into the woods for a shot. Tonight heavy overcast, spitting rain, just a few minutes past sunset this small doe steps into the clearing, kind of tough lighting for a peep site, 45 yards. I held and waited for her to step clear of a tree and fired. She took off like a streak, up a game trail. I reloaded, 70 gr FFFg, .018 patch with bore butter lube (from my premeasured tubes), .440 RB, 4F prime.  Initially no blood. Looking hard by flashlight because dark now and I figure if I wait rain will wash blood. About 50 yards I find first blood, then more frequent, find her stone dead at top of a hill, about 100 yards from shot! Autopsy showed shot entered left side just above point of elbow, broke 2 ribs going in, made mush of lungs, blew off bottom end of heart, broke 1 rib on far side, a flat bit of lead found just under off side hide.

Small, but should be tasty.

Offline smylee grouch

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Re: Annabells first deer
« Reply #1 on: November 06, 2023, 04:22:39 AM »
Sounds like a nice shot under those conditions.  ;)

Offline Daryl

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Re: Annabells first deer
« Reply #2 on: November 06, 2023, 05:36:24 AM »
Yes it does at that, Smylee - and foresterdj. Good job sticking with the tracking.
I've known people, years ago (I hesitate to acknowledge) who, if not finding blood at the impact site, will say "just GRAZED him" and go look for another.
They are the other reason we lost our "primitive moose hunt".
Daryl

"a gun without hammers is like a spaniel without ears" King George V

Offline foresterdj

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Re: Annabells first deer
« Reply #3 on: November 07, 2023, 01:00:14 AM »
Correction. Skinning today I see that entry hole broke out the side of one rib, popping it loose from the cartilage, and only took a chip out of the side of the second rib. No less lethal though.

Offline TDM

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Re: Annabells first deer
« Reply #4 on: November 08, 2023, 07:49:47 PM »
Nicely done. Congratulations to you and Annabell!