On Monday (11/26/18) I decided to set up another tree stand on the property near three large oak trees with plenty of sign around.  Beside the oak trees I discovered a rub line on some small pine trees along the property line fence leading away from the oak trees.  I put up an old Loggy Bayou climbing stand with some climbing stick ladder steps and additionally secured the stand with a ratchet strap as it is the old steel band type.

On Tuesday afternoon (11/27/18) I thought I’d try out the stand for the first time.  I managed to get situated in the stand around 3:45 PM.  I saw a couple of hen turkeys’ wonder by and later on a few raccoons getting down from their trees and wander around the oak trees. The sunset was at 5:30 PM and since the canopy in the woods is thick light was fading fast.  At 5:40 I noticed some motion behind one of the oak trees and caught a glimpse of a deer with some horns.  He wandered out to the property line fence along the trail and walked into a small opening in the trees just showing his neck and not the rest of his body.  I scoped him out with the Redfield 2x7 which is mounted on my Marlin 45-70 GBL and the buck made the zone criteria of at least 3 points on one side..

I made a snap decision and shot as light was at a premium and took a neck shot which I usually don’t take.  The impact on the 9 point buck was tremendous and knocked him against the fence where he instantly died. The rifle is overkill I know but has become my woods favorite as I shot it twice this year and have two deer in the freezer.

I ended up putting the deer in the shed for the night as the coyotes are frequent visitors to the area.

Congrats. 45-70 fan also. Took a doe here in Ohio Last week with my Henry 45-70. Compact little gun that packs one hell of a wallop. Think the doe was dead before it even hit the ground. Third deer with this gun, didn't track a single one.

45-70 is the perfect close range seer gun as far as I’m concerned.

Nice buck !

Nice!