I was amped. I’d already “wasted” most of my hunt, trying desperately to find a buck that I was interested in hunting. Then, merely 50 yards off the road, a truly gagger of a mainframe 8-point with over a foot-long droptine, stepped out. Then a 152-inch 10-pointer followed him out, and it looked like a baby in comparison, despite also being a mature buck. Sure, I absolutely wanted to meet the 8-point again, but I instantly decided that I’d arrow either one.
After setting a stand to cover where the bucks entered the field the day before, the first two sits were actually pretty slow. With just one day left to hunt, it was an instant adrenaline rush to see the 10 making its way to my stand. Mere moments later, I watched him topple within sight.
To me, early season success is all about finding and then setting up on Mr. Big. Frankly, I get a lot “luckier” during the rut. Early season success is all about making my own luck. What follows is how and why.
ALL IN
The zone I was hunting in Alberta to begin
