Ross Hausmann of Green Lake, Wisconsin says that his favorite stand is located near a cow pond adjacent to a 40-acre block of woods. The deer frequently use this pond in early season and during the rut. On the morning of Nov. 15, 2003, Ross saw several small bucks and a few does between 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. About 30 minutes later, the woods exploded around Ross with running deer. Ross got a brief glimpse of some long antler tines as a big buck ran through the woods in front of him. "I figured it was a mature buck chasing some small bucks away from a hot doe," Ross said. "Because of this I decided to grunt-snort-wheeze at him. About five minutes later I heard a twig snap. he was heading straight toward me from downwind. For several long minutes he stood about 50 yards out on some adjacent property looking and testing the wind.Then, he slowly walked off.
"About 2:30, I caught sight of him again walking through the woodlot in front of me. I tried calling again with no results. The next time I saw him it was about 4 p.m. A small buck had come to the pond to drink. I really thought my day was over until about 20 minutes later. That's when I turned to my left and saw the big buck walking across the pasture toward the pond. I stopped him before he got to the pond and released my arrow. It was a good shot, and I watched him run about 200 yards across the pasture before going down. He had 14 points and grossed 170`2/8. It was my first buck with a bow!"
On Sept. 17, 2005, opening day of archery season, Ross was sitting in the same stand late in the afternoon when he heard a deer approaching. "It was a nice buck," Ross said. "I heard him jump a fence and I saw him heading straight to the pond. He was quartering toward me, and he drank for several minutes. While he drank I heard three grunts from another buck on the other side of the fence but I never saw him. I waited until the first was done drinking, and I drew my bow. When he turned broadside I released my arrow. He turned out to be a beautful eight-pointer with an 18`1/2 inch inside spread and he grossed 125`5/8."
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