Big Ohio Ten Point- Archery

by Jim Berardi
(Portage Co. Ohio)

I have been gun hunting a farm in Southern Ohio for several years with my Dad & decided to bowhunt during the rut last season knowing this deer was frequenting the area. On my first hunt my friend grunted this deer to within 35yards but missed when his arrow deflected of a branch. After 2 weeks of unseasonably warm weather I noticed a cold front was moving in mid-week & invited my taxidermist to go along with me for one more chance prior to gun season. Ater a slow morning hunt the weather changed & I got the proper wind direction to properly hunt close to his bedding area. Using my climber I set up quickly in mid-afternoon. An hour before dark I seen him coming in quick to investigate some nearby does. After smelling the lure he slowed down & gave me a 14yard broadside shot. I knew I'd made a good hit but still gave him an hour & found him after a 50yd bloodtrail! With a 21" spread, 11" G-2s he grossed 155 & netted 148 & change. My taxidermist said he was 6-7 years old & on his way downhill. His rack was bigger the previous season when I spotted him in muzzle loader season! Hunting the weather change with proper wind direction was the key to my success. Smokey's deer lure definitely helped seal the deal!