Hunting public land is never easy, but Ted’s patience and strategy paid off with a trophy buck. He scouted the area months in advance, using maps and trail cameras to locate overlooked spots where pressure was low. He found a thick bedding area near a creek with fresh rubs and scrapes—perfect for an ambush.
On opening morning, Ted slipped in before daylight, using the wind to stay undetected. He set up his lightweight climber 20 feet high in an oak tree, just downwind of a well-used trail. As the sun rose, he spotted movement—a big-bodied buck working his way through the brush. The deer paused at 30 yards, checking the wind. Ted remained motionless, blending into the tree’s cover.
When the buck stepped into a clear shooting lane, Ted steadied his bow and released the arrow. A perfect shot! The buck bolted but only made it 50 yards before crashing. Ted’s months of preparation had paid off with a beautiful public land buck.
Success on public land requires scouting, patience, and adapting to hunting pressure. Ted’s story proves that with the right strategy, big bucks can be taken—even in the most pressured areas!
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