Reliving the Hunts from 2025
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
My 2025 season actually started in 2024 when I spotted a tall-tined 8-point buck. I named him TT8 and hoped he would survive the 2024 season. Fortunately, he did, and by 2025, he had grown into an impressive 8-point. TT8 became my target buck, and I aimed to encounter him while in the stand.
Ohio Opener
Ohio consistently starts its archery season earlier than Pennsylvania, so I chose to hunt on the opening evening of Ohio's archery season. At 4 pm, I settled into my stand, and soon enough, deer surrounded me. Aiming to stock up my freezer, I selected a plump doe and executed an excellent shot. The hunt was swift and thrilling, and I was grateful for the venison to fill my freezer.
Pennsylvania Opener
My SpyPoint Cameras monitored TT8 all the way up to opening morning. TT8 regularly fed in the bean field near my stand every morning and evening. I arrived at my stand early, hoping TT8 would show up to feed. Although I didn't spot TT8, my second target buck did make an appearance. I hunted until 10:30 am before leaving to escape the heat.
I spent the rest of the day indoors because the temperature was in the high 80s. I thought, "It's too hot to go deer hunting!" Unfortunately, I had left my bow and pack in the tree, so I had to return to retrieve them. I put on my lightest camouflage and went back to the stand.
I didn't have much hope of seeing any deer, but I was completely mistaken! I spotted a lot of deer, and TT8 briefly appeared before vanishing again. I was thrilled to catch a glimpse of him. As I watched the full moon rise, I wondered if I would have a chance to see TT8 again.
Ten minutes later, I heard the sound of a deer moving through the leaves in the draw. I picked up my bow and prepared myself in case it was TT8. A buck appeared in the bean field, just 15 yards from my stand, and it was indeed TT8. I pulled back my Darton Sequel 33 and made an excellent shot. I watched as TT8 went down in the beans. I couldn't believe my good fortune.
Back to Ohio
My Pennsylvania tag was already used, but I still had an Ohio Buck tag. Towards the end of October, I returned to Ohio. I opted for a morning hunt to check if any bucks were passing by my stand. At about 9:30 am, a large doe approached the stand, and she eventually ended up in the back of my truck on the way to the processor. I donated that doe, feeling satisfied that the venison would help feed many families. I was enjoying a fantastic season, and it wasn't even November yet!
I'm eagerly anticipating the arrival of the 2026 season. I've captured plenty of shooter bucks on camera, and I frequently see does. Cool weather and thrilling hunts are what I live for. Follow all the action on my YouTube page. Happy Hunting and God Bless!
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