The 2023 velvet buck hunt has proven to be a great opportunity for bowhunters in the Volunteer State, once again. In its 6th year, the hunt has become a favorite for many of us that look forward to this weekend as the kickoff to our fall bowhunting season.
“Why would anyone want to hunt in the brutal heat of August?”
I hear the question every year. The answer is simple. There’s no better time to kill a target buck on a consistent pattern than late August or early September. Yes, 98-degree temps are rough. It truly separates the men from the boys. But for bowhunters willing to put forth the effort, the rewards can pay off big.
One of my favorite early season bowhunting spots was back in beans this year. This made it easy for us to keep an eye on what the bachelor group was doing on a daily basis. The deer typically enter this particular field in 1 of 2 locations, depending on the wind, so my boys and I were feeling really optimistic at our chances for a close encounter with one of the shooter bucks hanging out in the group.
I had a hunch the deer were bedding fairly close to the field they fed in each evening. So several days before the hunt, me and the boys slipped in mid-day to hang a stand that would allow us to capitalize on any bucks coming down a logging road that led to the bean field. It was a low-hanging stand, less than 10 feet off the ground, but the cover was perfect for going undetected.
Little did I know just how perfect the plan would come together on the first afternoon of the 3-day hunt. Shortly after climbing into the stand, I heard deer in the thicket next to me. A few minutes later, a doe and fawn popped out on the trail 15 yards away. An hour later, a small buck that had been running with the big boys all week walked the same trail. My optimism was now through the roof!
Another hour passed, and the sun began to sink into the horizon. It was the final 45 minutes when big bucks make their move to the beans. I was already shakin’ with the jitters.
Finally, in the last 20 minutes of light, a small 8 pointer popped out on the trail and walked past my stand. I could hear more deer coming. A moment later, a tall-tined 8-pointer walked out and followed the younger buck. I eased around in my stand to shoot as he passed behind me. I stopped him when he stepped into the only opening I had at 10 yards and dropped the string.
The shot sounded good, and the buck crashed away. He went just 40 yards before piling up in the tall grass. He never made it to the field.
When the adrenaline finally dumped, I found myself with wobbly legs and trembling hands. A textbook hunt had gone just like it was planned after a long week of scouting and preparing.
The battle with the heat, ticks, mosquitoes, snakes and poison ivy paid off with a nice buck to haul home to my family. Thank you, Lord!
GEAR LIST
- Mathews Phase 4
- Easton Axis Arrows
- HHA Tetra Max RYZ
- SEVR Max Cut Broadheads
- MAGVIEW
- Vortex Optics
- ThermaCell
- Vertical Treestand
