THE MITTEN

Ross Weeks - Michigan - October 19th, 2024

By: Brennen Nading (@nadingbr)

Ross and his father put in a ton of work on their hunting ground in Michigan to make it the best it can possibly be. This year was no different, the game planning began early and plans were put into place. Several food plots strategically placed based on bedding, entry/exit, and known deer movement over the years. Timely rains when they were needed, and the stage was nearly set. Father and son were excited when a very familiar face showed back up on the cameras a few weeks ago. This was a buck that they had been able to identify all the way back to when he was 1.5 years old. Ross's father picked up a shed off the deer when he was 2.5. When he reached 4.5 he was a main frame 10 and it would be his first year on the "hit list".  As luck would have it, a neighboring hunter injured the buck during the 2023 season. The guys were pumped when he showed back up in early October this year sporting the goofy rack with all kinds of character. On Ross's first sit back in Michigan, the buck managed to slip by at 25 yards but never offered a shot.  2 days later, Ross sat a Hot Chic plot and it was game on! The buck showed up, and at 45 yards Ross settled the pin and let it fly. The arrow hit forward but the buck was dumping blood almost immediately.  After reviewing the footage, he decided to let the buck go overnight and give him plenty of time to expire. The following morning, Ross, his dad, and Isaac took up the trail.  Solid blood for 400 yards led them straight to the expired buck. No better feeling in the world than putting in the work and earning it on your home turf!