I've previously posted several of the huge bucks that live in my back yard. Bucks that are 100% safe because of a prohibition of hunting in my subdivision.

After years of having to bow to a Home Owners Association, coupled with our once remote and rural homestead area being invaded by a multitude of people feeing the cites thru unchecked new subdivision development, along with the ability to cash in on rising home values, we have decided to move further out into the country.

About 2 months ago, we purchased a parcel of land, absent any HOA, and definitely NOT in a subdivision. We've not started any development yet but I did a little bit of scouting and determined we do have a deer population on the land. This weekend was opening rifle season in our part of Texas. My son and I were both tied up until this afternoon when we took to the field for our very first hunt on land we own.

He was set up on a small ridge overlooking the back corner of the land. Not being in a blind of any kind, and just sitting at the base of a tree with little cover in front of him, he was a bit exposed to the open area he was watching. Unfortunately, he received a text and while answering same, looked up to see this guy walking directly toward him. The deer spotted him almost immediately after he took this photo and if he had moved to swap out the phone for his rifle, it would have spooked immediately. As the deer had him pinned down visually, all he could do was watch it walk off to the left and disappear in the brush. Fortunately, not spooked, but just wandered off. I think he learned a lesson today about being on alert for game and answering texts later.

In any event, we now know what type of deer are on our land. And he's still out there. Hopefully, this won't be the last photo of him.

Nice buck and it looks like a very nice area you are moving to.

Nice buck.

Looks like nice property. How many acres.

Shoot first pictures later.

Good luck!

No need for cell phones while out hunting.

Very nice Texas buck! Thanks for sharing.

In my eyes the ultimate dream,hunt on your own land,congrats,I just have to decide where my chunk of real estate will be

That is not a nice buck, that is a huge buck! Congrats!

I love it that he got proof, of the one that got away!!

quote:

Originally posted by Bill73:
In my eyes the ultimate dream,hunt on your own land,congrats,I just have to decide where my chunk of real estate will be

No doubt Bill. Has been my dream for 60 years now as well.

It would have been great if my son had killed him yesterday but on the bright side, it's my turn to hunt that ridge now!!

Wow! Very nice buck. Wish we had that around here

I am very happy for you and thanks for sharing. I will never pay HOA fees.

I hope you feast on whitetail if your land this Thanksgiving.

WOW what a hat rack!

Todd, a bit of suggestion. Buy all the land

you can to add on to the place even if you

don't live long enough to pay for it. Let the

kid take over payments. Wish my Dad had done so.

Thanks for sharing, good hunting.

George

quote:

Buy all the land

you can to add on to the place even if you

One does not get the chance to buy one's neighbors very often.

I missed my one chance and ended up with a real big city ass hole.

As a neighbor.

They really do think different then country folks.

Hunted every day except one since the photo of that buck last Sunday. Haven't seen him again. But no shots from the neighbors either so maybe tomorrow!

If you don’t mind answering, what county did you buy a new place in? I’ve seen my area of Erath chopped up into smaller and smaller pieces and I’m thinking about pulling up stakes.

quote:

Originally posted by WBT:
If you don’t mind answering, what county did you buy a new place in? I’ve seen my area of Erath chopped up into smaller and smaller pieces and I’m thinking about pulling up stakes.

Palo Pinto.

As to Erath, yep ... subdivision mania is rampant there as well as in Parker.

It’s a blessing and a curse. My property is worth a lot more than I paid for it, but I’m being surrounded by ranchettes and it’s just not the country anymore. I’m just not sure where to go. Maybe Oklahoma.

Oof! Stud! I too am looking for a parcel on which to live the dream soon....probably Montana but open to ideas. Would love to have 1000 acres or so.

Heading out for another go at him this afternoon.

I've got a feeling about my chances this time.

Wish you luck Todd.
Hope you see him before he scents you...
Packing a DR...??

Good luck!

Well, a valiant effort was made but to no avail. I spoke to the 2 neighbors and showed them the photo after the season was over. Both said they have never seen this deer. As far as we know, he's still there ... growing for another year.

Nothing wrong with that. He will have another year to spread his genes around and you get another year to plan on the next hunt. When the big old guys go it can take a while to replace them.
C.G.B.

Really just half time. The field will reset, and the hunt will go on. Here is to next year. Thank you for sharing this first home hunt with us.

At the end of the day, it is hunting and not killing.