Illinois Live Hunt: Awesome First Evening

Yesterday was awesome! Literally as we pulled into the driveway at Riverbottom Bucks, a 130-inch 8-pointer walked across the driveway in front of us. He was all rutted up and hardly even noticed the truck. We couldn't believe it!

Needless to say, that got Tory and I pretty fired up, so we quickly organized our stuff, took a few shots on the practice range and headed out for the evening hunt.

I had just climbed into my stand along the river and didn't even have time to haul my bow up yet when I looked to my right and saw a 150-inch 10-pointer standing 25 yards broadside. Talk about a helpless feeling! I was able to get my bow up while he was there but couldn't get my release and an arrow nocked before he walked away. Lord, can't you just give me 5 minutes before you send the bruisers in?!?!

The rest of the evening I saw a small 8-pointer chasing a doe and then a larger, 120-class 8-pointer chasing another doe. I was set up near a river crossing and it looks like an awesome pinch point.

With a start like this, we are hopeful for a very productive week of hunting.