La Fonda Deer

“Randy, we need a whitetail hunt filmed back on the La Fonda Ranch this fall. Quite frankly, my schedule is too crazy as is, so you’ll have to go and do it.”

Someone pinch me. You mean, I get to go on one of Keith’s hunts, with my bow, AND it’s on company time? Come on.

I kept in constant contact with Ranch manager and friend Don Latham. He was probably happier to see the hunt take place than I was just so I would get off his back.

I showed up late Sunday evening on October 10th and was greeted by Don and his family. We spent the next few minutes catching up and getting our game plan together for the next day and then it was off to bed.

I was there to hunt what the La Fonda Ranch considers a management buck which is any mature deer with 8-points. Don worked hard all summer patterning one particular deer that fit this description and set up a box blind near his territory.

When the day arrived, cool temperatures and hot coffee awaited me as I stepped out of my room. Fall hunting season for me had finally arrived. The feeling was overwhelming, as most of you know. My wife doesn’t understand it, but then again, I don’t get scrap-booking either.

Our stand was set up about 15 yards from the trail we were watching. Don was again my guide and cameraman. We must have watched 20 different deer this morning including two incredible trophies in the 160 – 170 class range. However, our old 8-point just wouldn’t show up.

It was now after 9:00 am and the temperature was really heating up. We had no more decided to call it a morning when the remaining whitetails in front of us looked up at something behind us.

Sure enough it was the deer we were after. He came in from behind us and immediately knew something was wrong. The first time he past in front of us, he never so much as slowed down. A few minutes later, he nervously came back in and gave me just enough time to draw my bow. Once again, he took off out of sight.

Remarkably, he came back into view one last time. This time I was ready and at full draw when he presented himself slightly quartering away. The arrow was gone and hit perfectly low in the chest. The deer ran no more than 75 yards before expiring in view. Wow, what a rush!

After all was said and done, this 6 ½ year old 8-point whitetail scored just under 128 and weighed in at 152 pounds. By far the biggest, oldest, healthiest, most impressive deer I’ve ever taken with my bow. He will provide not only memories for a long, long time but also many meals for my family. To say my season is off to an incredible start would be a major understatement.