Missed

A deer hunt invitation from Craig (cfish) had me drive to his North Carolina home outside of the coastal town of New Bern. Since he said the shots could be from 10 to 240+ yards I brought my FA`s 41 and Contender in 6.5JDJ. The TC handload had a 120gr Sierra spitzer over 34.0grs of Rel 15 and WLR primer. This is the first time shooting this gun in a number of years and had it set to shoot about one inch high @100. Long story short, a large doe appeared at 243 yards and holding just about even with the back I fired and missed. I believe I shot over and was happy I did not wound the animal. I need a ton more range time with this caliber as its a more then adequate cartridge with all the game its taken over the years. Since it was late in the season and all of Craigs food plots eaten bare I had no other shot even though game cameras showed some terrific buck... Things did not end with my bad shooting and that Saturday had David (Franchise) and his wife Jennifer along with Matt (cmnash) and his wife Heather stop over for short shooting session followed with a ride into New Bern for a fantastic Italian dinner. Things continued back at the ranch with a bull session around the fire with a nightcap. All in all I had a most wonderful time with Craig as my host.... Photos: Top to bottom: 1) My 6.5JDJ with Burris 3-9X scope-2) photo from tower blind and if you follow the grass to the opening at the far tree line, this is where I missed the doe-3) dinner in New Bern left to right: me- Craig and his wife- David and his wife- Matt and his wife against wall and Craigs daughter and husband-4) if you enlarge the photo you`ll see one of the turkey I wanted to blow up after I missed

We had a great dinner and a nice visit! The fire pit discussions were the best.

it happens to the best of us, however it sounds like you had a great time just the same.

Memories last longer than the meat anyway...

Anyone can miss thats for sure. Did look like a good time. Give me the 6.5 n quit worrying about it. 😬

Finally after several years of trying to get James down to NC it finally happened. Was hoping he could have made it earlier in the season while the rut was on but was happy none the less to finally have him as a guest. Many folks have read of The many hunts James has been on and some have had the fortune to meet him and share a hunting camp with him. Most serious handgun hunters know the names of those who laid the ground work for us to enjoy our sport, but never in my 40 years of handgun hunting have I met anyone who embraces it with the zeal and gusto as our own James from Jersey does. Having been to his home on several occasions i always feel like I?m entering a museum. The hundreds of gun articles, memorabilia trophy heads from Africa and here. The wealth of historical knowledge in his head never ceases to amaze me. As young men we hunt for the trophies and the status amongst our friends and peers. The older I get it has become more about friendship and memories with hunting being the glue that binds us. It was a great get together with David and Matt and their wives. James it was a real honor and a pleasure to have you down and count you as my friend. I hope you?ll make it an annual event. Next year the fields will be planted and the deer plentiful.

You can count it Craig... You got me off my fat ass and I lost 8 pounds walking your woods even with your seafood bisque

Good times.

The good memories will be there long after the miss has been forgotten, if they will let you forget you missed. Good friends, good guns, good whiskey.

Things happen James. I've used the 6.5 JDJ since it's inception. 2 1/2" high at 100 gets you dead on at 250. I've used a 3-9X Burris on it forever. Better luck in the future.

Time spent with friends is the most important thing

James, the only ones that don't miss are the ones that don't go. Sounds like you had a great time & those campfire memories last a life time. Good story buddy!

Dick

It happens to all of us occasionally. Its all good. Glad you had a good time!

Yeap, it happens....but, it sounds like an awesome time was had! Good company always makes for good hunt.

We all miss from time to time but you did not miss a good time with friends with the same interest.

I'll take a miss like that any day...

The best thing you can do with a miss is get back on your horse and ride off from it!,besides 243 yards with a handgun isn't much of a miss anyhow.Sounds like you had a great time and that's the main thing!!

Very true and wise words b

Least you didn't knock it flat on its arse only to have it get into plantation pine and never see it again like me last year.

I'm still pickin' briars out of mine after knockin' him on his ...


P

Glad you enjoyed your time around like minded people.

As far as the miss, it happens. I missed an eight point the first day at 125 yards with a 357 Max. Always next year.

What a treat it was to meet James from Jersey in person!
The gathering was much too brief to anymore than scratch the surface of the handgun hunting knowledge and experience possessed by this micro community of enthusiasts. I say community because diverse locations and vocations were represented at supper, brought together by a common interest and passion.

I want to thank Craig for hosting at his beautiful home. I look forward to seeing these guys and gals again.

Sounds like a Great Time with Great friends!!I have hung out with a couple of those dudes!!