Following are a few stories from this past deer season as written by those who experienced the thrill of the hunt. We left them unedited so you, the reader, can get the feel that the authors are telling you the story as they arrived back at camp. Enjoy.

  MY DEER STORY by Kevin Messing

  I found my buck lying injured in a hay field by my family farm. My Uncle Mike and I saw a nice deer out in the field so we walked through the woods to get a shot on him. When we found a good spot we saw two deer run across the field and assumed he was one of them because they were the only deer in the area.

  We then started walking across the field to see if by some chance he was still there. He was lying flat out and my uncle and I, who were hunting together, didn't notice him until we were 25 feet away. I walked upon him while my Uncle waited back a little ways.

  He jumped up and after two shots he was down. For an injured deer we were surprised at how fast he jumped up and took off towards the woods. We knew he was a big deer but not until after we went to get him did we notice how big he was.

  He was harvested in the thumb (Huron County) of Michigan. This was my second deer and I was 16 years old. It was taken on opening day of the Michigan firearm season, November 15, 2005. He scored near 120 and the dressed weight is unknown. He was a 2 1/2 year old 8 point buck. He has a 14 3/4 inch inside spread and the tines are 8 1/2 inches. My name is Kevin Messing and I was hunting with my uncle, Mike Messing.

  To see a photo of Kevin and his Michigan buck, go to www.backwoodsbound.com/zzzhunt68.html

  DEER HUNTING IN OKLAHOMA by David Falconer

  First morning I hunted the stand north of my in-laws' barn. Those who know Brentt Steward know it as the stand he took that big 8 point from two years ago. KT, Kevin Thomas, was the only one of my friends from TI, Texas Instruments, that was hunting with me and he was hunting a ridge on Shiloh to the south of me. He had seen two large bucks in the valley the evening before right before dusk and we had already planned an evening ambush for our video archive.

  I climbed into the stand with a south wind blowing so I wasn't expecting much as the wind was blowing in the direction I expected the deer to come from, but I was trusting in the White Oak cover scent wafer I had left in my clothing bag with my clothes to mask my scent. Man, it was cold and I sat there from 6:30 to 7:48 before I started to shiver. The sun was hitting me, but I was still getting cold as the wind would rob me of my body heat. Todd Wogan's blind was near my feeder and it was moving as the wind hit it.

  There were occasional shots here and there, but nothing close indicating my friend Kevin or my relatives hunting across the creek from me had shot something. My Dad, Uncle and cousin were hunting the east side of my property.

  I decided I was going to have to climb out of that stand and sit on the ground or go get some warmer clothing. I opted for the ground and just as I got to sit down, the sun hit me and I started warming up and getting sleepy. I dozed off, my chin dipping down to my chest before I woke up, glancing at my watch, noting it was 8:03 and I moved around to find a comfortable spot, then just moved my head to scan the area. I didn't see anything. Soon I found myself dozing again, or to be more honest, I found myself waking up from a doze and once again I scanned the area, noting that it was 8:15 now. I decided there was no sense in fighting fate so I closed my eyes and wiggled back into the tree, sitting directly under the platform stand.

  Something woke me and it seemed like only seconds as I looked to my left and there was nothing. Turning to my right there were two huge bucks standing 25 yards away and I decided the noise they made crossing the fence is what woke me. They both had their noses to the ground and I quickly judged the one in the back to be the best buck. Both bucks were awesome, but the back buck was slightly wider. His near twin was just as tall and I believe had a perfect 8 point rack. They had not winded me!

  They were close, too close to try to ease around and shoot one right handed so I eased my rifle around to my left arm and brought the cross hair of the Redfield scope on my 30-06 carbine behind his leg and touched it off. Just like a Realtree video, he did a perfect heart kick with his back legs and ran like hell toward my truck which was visible in the distance. The other buck ran 20 yards to the top of a knoll and watched his brother run straight toward my truck only to pile up a mere 10 yards in front of the grill!!

  I watched my buck down and then I raised my rifle and looked at the other buck through the scope and his rack was excellent. With a sigh I lowered my gun and started walking and only THEN did the second buck spook and he jumped the fence and ran down the hill out of sight. I looked at my watch. It was 8:20 AM. I approached my buck cautiously but his eyes were already glazed over. He was beautiful. His rack measured a respectable 16 1/2 inch inside spread and he had 9 points with five on his right and four on his left. He weighed 148 pounds.

  KT and I wondered if this was one of the two bucks he had seen across the mountain and in the far valley the evening before. I don't know if it is or not, but we did not see the two bucks that evening when we tried to video KT taking one of them. We did see at least 9 different deer that evening, including a little spike buck that thought he was God's gift to the ladies. Here are the pictures of my buck, thought you guys might like to hear how it happened too.

See David and his Oklahoma buck at www.backwoodsbound.com/zzzhunt67.html

   Do you like to use rattling antlers instead of a "rattling bag"? Do you have a hard time finding your calls once you get in your stand? Well we were asked to put a new product through it's paces called The Horn Holster this past December to help answer those questions.

  The Horn Holster is an easy and convienent way to carry your rattling antlers, calls and other gear at your side ready for immediate use. The built in bungee cord system keeps your rattling antlers stay close to your sides while walking, climbing and while in your stand but away from each other so they don't "rattle" against each other at the wrong time. The bungees then stretch out so you can use your rattlers or calls when you need them and then retracts to hold them securely at your sides.

  I don't know how many other hunters are like me, but I like to organize my gear with similar things going together. For example I have several pouches that snap shut that I've made into "kits". In one I have my gutting knife, some lengths of rope, folded paper towels and field dressing gloves. When I go to "fetch" my deer, I grab just this pouch and leave everything else at the stand site. I also have another pouch designated just to carry scents, scent wicks and drag line in. I've always wanted a way to organize my calls and the Horn Holster is the solution.

  Like most hunters I always carried my rattling antlers on a length of rope around my neck or over my shoulder and never liked it. So a few years back I switched to a rattling bag and left the antlers at home hanging in the garage. But with the Horn Holster I was able to switch back. I easily attached my antlers, grunt call and my Primos Can to the Holster. My equipment was easy to carry and use and stayed organized within easy reach. I didn't have to dig through my pack once I was in my stand to dig out the stuff I needed. The Horn Holster solved my organization problem.

  Made by Hunter Innovations of Ellsworth, Wisconsin the Horn Holster is made from weather proof nylon and adjusts from thirty to seventy inches insuring it will fit around virtually any waist no matter how many layers of clothes you have on.

  The Horn Holster is extremely versatile. It can carry all sorts of calls from elk bugles to duck and goose calls for the waterfowl hunter. Turkey hunters can easily carry a slate call, strikers and a owl hooter all within easy reach while minimizing movement. Muzzleloader hunters can conveniently carry their extra speed loads or powder at their sides instead of a pocket. But its uses are limited only by your imagination.

  Rest assured the Horn Holster will be around my waist this spring while turkey hunting and next fall when deer season rolls around once again.

  Available for just $19.99 the Horn Holster is finding it's way onto the waists of hunters everywhere. Get your's now and help spread the word on the Horn Holster. To see pictures of the Horn holster and for ordering information visit our site at: www.backwoodsbound.com/huntprduct1.html.

  Although there are several ways to increase your odds at determining how far a gobbler is, judging distance is a skill that must be learned through practice. And now, well before the spring turkey season starts, is the best time to start practicing.

  A lot of novice turkey hunters do their homework (practice calling, pattern their guns and outfit themselves in full camouflage) only to go afield without a skill that is equally important.

  It has been proven in military field tests that the average person estimates range with a probable error of 30 percent. If the average, untrained person has a 30 percent error handicap, it's a pretty sure bet that a lot of turkey hunters head to the turkey woods unprepared.

  "When considering all the reasons for missed shots or lost birds, failure to accurately judge the distance to a target is probably the most common," said Rob Keck, CEO of the National Wild Turkey Federation. "A hunter must be able to determine when a turkey is close enough to make a clean kill. Just like patterning your shotgun prior to the season, you should also practice judging distance."

  Range Finder Success

  One way to judge distance accurately is with a range finder. Find landmarks, trees, rocks, etc., to note distance when you set up. When a tom strolls within range, you'll be ready to shoot rather than squinting through the peephole of a range finder.

  "If you go the route of using a range finder, don't make the mistake of trying it out for the first time when you're turkey hunting," Keck said. "A little pre-season preparation at home will go a long way toward success later."

  Game Time

  Another method that works well can be quite a bit of fun. Have a partner place a turkey decoy at an unknown distance in the woods, as you sit down and guess the yardage. Vary the terrain, lighting conditions, and thickness of brush to make the scenarios look like true hunting situations.

  Remember to sit down to estimate range just as you would when turkey hunting. Take turns at this game and your range estimation will dramatically improve. Several NWTF chapters have incorporated this game into their Xtreme JAKES (Juniors Acquiring Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship) youth events with quite a bit of success.

  Decoy Distance

  Another way to determine distance when in the turkey woods is by using your decoys as point of reference. When you set your decoy, step off the distance back to your setup. If you place your decoys at 20 yards in front of you, for instance, you know a gobbler strutting in the same location is also 20 yards away.

  In the Zone

  "Accurate distance estimation can also help in other ways. For most turkeys, there is a threshold of 25 to 30 yards where mistakes -- usually hunter movement -- seem to be more critical than when a gobbler is inside this distance," Keck said.

  "When a bird walks into this "hyper zone" practically any hunter movement can spell disaster. Inside 25 yards, a gobbler's best judgment is full retreat if he becomes suspicious."

  According to Keck, another helpful way to accurately judge distance -- when you have time before setting up -- is to step off distances of 20, 30 and 40 yards and place markers at those distances. These markers -- often stones or sticks -- help by giving you a point of reference to determine whether the bird is in the desired range.

  Regardless of your approach, accurately judging can help ensure a clean kill, as well as keep a gobbler from busting your setup. Use these helpful hints in the turkey woods this spring and take notice of the difference a few yards truly makes.

  For more information about the National Wild Turkey Federation, call (800) THE-NWTF or visit their web site at www.nwtf.org.

  Some have wondered how this whole "series of unfortunate hunts" got started. I'll start at the begining and relate to you just a few of the incidents that have happened over the years. You'll have to forgive me as some details are fuzzy as I've tried to mentally block out a lot of what has happened.

  Let's start back at the begining in the summer of 1985 when I was young and naive and had no idea of the path I was about to head down. That summer my cousin Dave talked my Dad, Grandpa, brother-in-law and myself into deer hunting that fall. Sounded good over a couple of beers. I mean, how hard could it be? Sit in a tree, wait for a deer and POW! Done deal. (Told you I was young and naive.)

  If I had known of the things to come I wouldn't have sat there in the rain on opening morning covered in an orange poncho trying to keep my gun, gear and myself dry. If someone had told me of the many cold, damp days I'd be spending in a treestand I would have headed for the truck right then instead of eating everything I had with me before 8:00 thinking it was nearer to lunch time.

  If someone, anyone, would have told me the only deer I'd see that first season was the one I helped Dave drag out of the woods I think I might have turned to a different hobby like raising roses. You might get pricked by the thorns but at least its done in warmer weather.

  That first year Tommy and I hunted the last day of the season until the end, trying to squeek one out at the last minute. As we stood together reflecting on the just ended season I made another fateful error.

  "You know I haven't shot this gun all season so I'm going to empty it into that tree over there."

  "I wouldn't do it if I were you" Tommy said.

  "What's the harm. No one's around." And with that I emptied the gun. Feeling somewhat satisfied we headed for the truck.

  When we arrived at the truck, out popped the game warden. "Who was shooting up there?" I should have denied everything, after all he didn't see me, but I cracked under the intense intregation. Cost me $50.00 for shooting after hours. Hard leason learned. I should have gave up then but I kept going.

  Then there came the next season when one morning, I can't remember if it was opening morning or not, we were woke up from a nice peaceful sleep by my Grandpa banging on the door. Either the alarm failed to go off or we just forgot to set it. Grandpa said he'd head that way and would walk slow so we could catch up.

  Throwing things together in a haste, we headed out. When we got to the "field" Tommy was in front of me as we went through the gate. I remember thinking, "his orange vest really stands out". That's the moment I realized I didn't have one on. "Oh crap!" Off I went. Back the five miles to the trailer to get my vest cursing the whole way.

  Needless to say I didn't see any deer that day.

  Then there was the time when Tommy and I about froze to death hunting in a snow storm. I remember standing in a ground blind unable to move from the cold as the snow fell on me. I looked like a snowman frozen in place. We gave up early that day and headed to town to buy some new boots. No deer that day.

  I think it was the next morning when the "handwarmer incident" happened.

  Tommy had borrowed some handwarmers from his buddy at work. You know, the 'old fashioned' kind that you filled with lighter fluid and lite a wick on the top. It was then placed in a felt bag so you could hold it in your hands or put in a coat pocket.

  As I lay on the couch not wanting to get out from under my warm blankets, Tommy sat at the kitchen table filling the warmers with lighter fluid preparing for the cold outside. I've got to throw in this bit of info here. Those type of handwarmers took a awhile to heat up so you would light them early so by the time you were in your stand it was nice and toasty for you. Okay, back to Tommy. In his "excitement" he overfilled the first one spilling lighter fluid down the side. Here's where things happened fast.

  He wiped off the excess fluid, took a match and lite the wick. I remember him waving his hand around as I admired how pretty the blue flames were. I also caught site of the nice pool of fire spreading from the dropped warmer headed across the top of the table for a loaf of bread.

  I jumped up and ran to the wall, grabbed the fire extinguisher and seeing the toast was done, put out the fire with one burst. By that time Tommy and put his hand out and was cussing up a blue streak. He had burnt his hand pretty bad but didn't require a hospital visit. Needless to say, we didn't use the warmers that day or any time after that.

  Then there was the first time I actually saw some deer from my stand. ("So that's what they look like.") By this time several years had passed and I was hunting a new location with my Dad.

  The first morning I saw deer moving across a field but where my stand was set I was in the wrong spot. So later that morning we moved the stand further down the fence closer to where the deer were crossing.

  That afternoon several does came across the field. Here was my chance or so I thought. The problem was they were way out of range but I drew a bead on one and started shooting. That's right, not one shot but many. I reloaded several times trying to lob one in there. The deer just milled around wondering what all the noise was. I got even more excited when I was down to my last slug and a big doe started running right at me. I fired the last shot just as she turned broadside to me at fifty yards. Perfect shot but I was out of ammo. Damn the luck! My Dad thought I had deer stacked ten high with all the shooting going on but I hadn't scored a hit. We had to make a fifty mile round trip that evening to the nearest sporting good store that had some 12-gauge slugs so I could resupply myself.

  I guess redeemed myself the next morning by taking a button buck with one shot at twenty yards. Dropped him like a bad habit. If I had only waited another minute I could have taken his fat momma instead. Oh well. I finally had my first deer. Thinking things were on the upswing, I kept at it.

  The following year I missed several nice bucks before finally taking a huge doe on the second to last day of the season. After that, things took a big nose dive. I actually didn't hunt for a year or two. Not because I didn't want to, it was because I had no place to hunt. But when I did return to the woods it was like deja vue all over again. My fate was sealed. There are many more tales I could pass along but we'll save them for another day.

  I'd like to finish up with a correction to last month's chapter. In my haste to get my column finished and on to the powers that be, a few paragraghs were cut in the final edit and forgotten to be reinserted in their proper place. So to make amends, here is the missing paragraphs inserted, in italics, in their proper spot.

 ...Tim got his chance late that afternoon. With time running out he got a nice little 4 point forkhorn. Ordinarily we try not to shoot small bucks but this was Tim's first deer hunt and we always had the rule that a persons first deer was whatever they wanted to shoot. Not a bad start.

  We arrived back at "camp", which is my sister's house, with a trailer full of deer. Our smiles got even bigger when Tommy let out the news that he too had gotten a deer that morning. A big bodied buck with a six point rack. It took us a little while to count up all the little points but they equaled six. Nice management kill. He definitely needed to come out of the herd. As as we always say, "the grinder doesn't discriminate".

  There was a lot of back patting and handshaking going on that night. This was the first time that everyone had gotten a deer on opening day. Five for five. Unbelievable! We were truly blessed.

  The rest of the weekend only saw Tim getting a button buck on Saturday, again with time running out. He was remorseful, as I had been the previous month when I had shot a button buck in Oklahoma. I told him the same things my friend David had said to me and smoothed it over. Things like that happen......

  Now you know the rest of the story. To read the complete story go to www.backwoodsbound.com/zznewv06i12.html. Until next time, Jim Bob.