Marshian
Well-known member
When I drew a special unit Montana deer tag this past spring , I never imagined that life as I knew it would be turned upside down just a few months later. I’ve been severely nearsighted my whole life, which is a risk for factor for retinal detachment. One day in mid July while tying my shoe I noticed a dark shadow blotting out about a quarter of my peripheral vision in the upper, inner quadrant of my right eye. Three days later I was undergoing surgery to save my vision not knowing if I would be permanently blind in my right eye which is my shooting eye. And added bonus is that that the recovery period involved me laying facedown on a massage table for all waking hours for a week so this special gas bubble would float to the back of my eye and help the retina reattach. And on top of that, the surgery saves my vision but will lead to a cataract within a year or two at most- awesome news for a guy who just turned 40! The icing on the cake which I found out on opening day, is that eye is now quite sensitive to drying out which causes severe haze/ fogging so now I usually hunt in ski goggles if it’s at all cold or windy- which central Montana has plenty of both!
The good news was that I made a complete recovery and dont need cataract surgery for another few months at least so I’m back in the game for this season. I filled my antelope and deer B tag so felt confident in my shooting, and I had this week off to chase a big muley.
Every now and then I deeply enjoy hunting solo, and with my wife and daughter visiting relatives for the week, I had nothing but time to relax and go my own speed. I had heard about a block management that was the place to be, but its reservation only, and despite calling as soon as the lines opened, I never got through. So for the first few days I cruised around and hiked my butt off with limited success- seeing a few deer here and there but nothing impressive.
Looking at the maps further, I noticed some state land immediately adjacent to the block management that I tried to get on. With nothing to lose, I check it out and saw numerous deer on the private land on the drive in. Feeling quite optimistic, I started glassing and saw two bucks worth pursuing. They were both within fifty yards of the private land boundary, but the one seemed good by me. I was able to get a good range, the pine tree right behind my buck was 325, and I had an excellent rest. I shoot a 7mmHT Sako Finnlight and love that gun and have total confidence in it.
KABOOM! When I got back on the scope I saw my deer lurch and looked very ill. I was just about to shoot again when he tipped over. Walking toward him, I still wasnt really sure how good he was. I’ve never shot anything close to a B&C animal, so I’m very familiar with ground shrinkage. This guy was just the opposite!! Not the widest or tallest, but dang if he isn’t thick all the way through.
I screamed for joy and thanked God. Knowing how close I was to being permanently disabled, and then to come back for a great animal was super special for me. After savoring my obligatory victory beer, I headed into town to show my brother and friends before taking him to the taxidermist. I’m not very good at scoring but the guy said 170 at least and very possible B&C. Doesn’t matter tho. He will always be cherished by me and I couldn’t be happier.
The good news was that I made a complete recovery and dont need cataract surgery for another few months at least so I’m back in the game for this season. I filled my antelope and deer B tag so felt confident in my shooting, and I had this week off to chase a big muley.
Every now and then I deeply enjoy hunting solo, and with my wife and daughter visiting relatives for the week, I had nothing but time to relax and go my own speed. I had heard about a block management that was the place to be, but its reservation only, and despite calling as soon as the lines opened, I never got through. So for the first few days I cruised around and hiked my butt off with limited success- seeing a few deer here and there but nothing impressive.
Looking at the maps further, I noticed some state land immediately adjacent to the block management that I tried to get on. With nothing to lose, I check it out and saw numerous deer on the private land on the drive in. Feeling quite optimistic, I started glassing and saw two bucks worth pursuing. They were both within fifty yards of the private land boundary, but the one seemed good by me. I was able to get a good range, the pine tree right behind my buck was 325, and I had an excellent rest. I shoot a 7mmHT Sako Finnlight and love that gun and have total confidence in it.
KABOOM! When I got back on the scope I saw my deer lurch and looked very ill. I was just about to shoot again when he tipped over. Walking toward him, I still wasnt really sure how good he was. I’ve never shot anything close to a B&C animal, so I’m very familiar with ground shrinkage. This guy was just the opposite!! Not the widest or tallest, but dang if he isn’t thick all the way through.
I screamed for joy and thanked God. Knowing how close I was to being permanently disabled, and then to come back for a great animal was super special for me. After savoring my obligatory victory beer, I headed into town to show my brother and friends before taking him to the taxidermist. I’m not very good at scoring but the guy said 170 at least and very possible B&C. Doesn’t matter tho. He will always be cherished by me and I couldn’t be happier.
