Today was Md.'s last day of the deer season for firearms in my home state. Things have been kinda slow since opening day. Like everywhere, the deer herd up, and pretty much become nocturnal. Today, they were calling for a skiff of snow in the wee hours. I figured I'd give it a go, as hunting in the snow is absolutely gorgeous. Things seem to really settle down when it snows in the woods. It's something only a hunter can observe and appreciate. It's kinda like being in a life size snow globe of your own little world where you can solve the worlds problems, and your own, through judicious thought. Packing a good sixgun don't hurt things either !



Sunrise was scheduled for 7:27 this morning. Time to sleep in a little, and still have time to watch the world come alive. I was in the woods, and in my spot at 6:50. I was sitting at the base of a large oak tree. As the sun started making day, I could notice the snow ladden trees and shrubs. Beautifull ! While absorbing all this natural beauty, and counting my blessings of family and friends, I could make out the outline of a deer sneaking thru the brush. I knew it was a buck by the way he was slinking along the thick stuff, head low to the ground, as if playing a perpetual game of hide and seek. He was only 35 yards out.

By this time, I was pretty much covered in snow myself, creating a perfect camouflage. I bleated to stop the unsuspecting buck, and raised my already cocked Ruger Bisley Hunter with 7 1/2 " barrel, sporting iron sights. Once good sight alignment was obtained, I snugged them in tight in front of his shoulder, 1/3 the way up from his chest, as he was quartering towards me. Drilling that front sight thru his chest, I started my trigger squeeze. BOOM! I was startled at the shot ! This is a good thing. I heard my buck breaking brush and crash, after about a 2 second panic run.

My load was the time tested 454424 KEITH bullet in solid form, loaded over 20.0 grs. of 2400, ignited by a Win. LPP, housed in Starline nickleplated brass. I know cast bullets aren't supposed to kill, but no one told this buck, or all the other critters I have taken, that. I am a die hard cast bullet aficionado ! I just get immense pleasure from casting and killing with bullets made by my own hand ! It just adds another dimension to hand loading and hunting !




My shot was true ! A quick tracking job of about 30yds found my 3 pt. buck. Not the biggest by any means, but a great tasting trophy for a last day hunt. This Spring, while eating grilled sausage burgers, I'll relive this hunt, with a smug knowledge that I did it Elmers way !




This is what a Keith slug does to a heart. The EPA may be on to something. Lead poisoning is fatal ! :lol:

This is fantastic. Nice pictures too. Congratulations on that ungulate, he will be good to eat! Best -

Outstanding story. Thank you for sharing and congratulations.

Congrats Jeff & thanks for the great report & pics! I needed to go on a hunt this morning (even if it was someone elses!)!!!

What holster is that there? Can I get a better pic of it?

Thanks again for taking us with you!

Great story! Thanks for sharing!

Vance, it is a Galco Kodiak rig.

Thanks Jeff!
That's what I thought but I wasn't sure. What do you think of the way it carries? I have a Pistol Packaging Bandito that I use for my 7.5" SRH with red dot, & while it's the best holster I've tried so far, I'm not convinced it's "THE best". If I remember correctly they started making the Kodiac for scoped guns. I'll have to check.

Vance, it carries great ! They do make a scoped version. For the money, a GREAT rig !

Thanks, I may have to give it a try next season. I just hate to spend $200. to "Try" something. The PP Bandito works well, it's just a LOT of leather & a bit squeaky. I guess we are always loking for something "better" right?
Have you used it with a backpack? Any interference?

WTG Jeff, Congrats on a successful hunt. I bet that buck is going to be mighty tasty.

Larry

Good work, Jeff!

Great way to end the season, Jeff!

nice shooting!

Way to go, Jeff! You got your buck, and good story!

As far as Galco Leather goes, I have been buying and using it for many many years. For quality and finish, it is SECOND TO NONE.

Pricey??? So are most great products. In this case, you really get what you pay for...

IMHO

Great finish to the season - congrats Jeff!

Nice work, way to get it done at the last minute!! I love hunting in the snow.

Nicely done!!

I agree Gregg that you get what you pay for, but unfortunately holster setups aren't a "one size fita all". I have had Galco stuff before & there qualitty is 2nd to none, I just hate to spend $200 & find out that it doesn't ride well under a pack, etc. I virtually never leave camp without the Eberlestock Blue Widow on, & if I'm packing into a spike camp it's a large frame pack...