IOWA LATE SEASON BUCK HEARTBREAK | BACKWOODS BUCKS 21.5
It was the eve of **Iowa deer season**, and excitement buzzed through the air as Michael Lee and Kevin Knighton settled into their home away from home—Tim’s hunting lodge. “Does this not scream man cave of Iowa?” Michael joked, taking in the impressive decor featuring giant deer mounts and a massive TV. After a tough hunt in Oklahoma, where Michael had filled his tag but Kevin was still chasing his first **late season buck** of the season, they were ready for a fresh start in the rich hunting grounds of Iowa.
With the weather turning colder and the deer moving well, the duo felt optimistic about their chances. “We’re going to give him one hour,” Michael said, referring to Kevin’s upcoming hunt. “He’s going to get a big old Iowa buck, I promise you.” The camaraderie between the two friends was evident as they prepared for their adventure, sharing laughs and stories about past **deer hunting trips**.
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As they ventured into the field, they scouted potential spots for their stands. “We’ve looked at about 14 trees within 20 yards of each other,” Kevin remarked, trying to decide on the best location. “I kind of feel like these guys are overthinking a little bit.” With years of experience under their belts, they knew that any of those trees could be the perfect spot for a successful hunt, especially when targeting a wary **late season buck**.
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After setting up their stands, they settled in for the afternoon. The anticipation was palpable as they waited for deer to appear. “It’s opening day of gun season in Iowa,” Michael said, excitement building. “We’ve got about four hours to see what happens.” The conditions were right, and they were hopeful that the deer would be moving, offering a prime opportunity for **Iowa deer hunting** success.
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Suddenly, two small bucks crossed the ridge, seemingly pushed by hunters nearby. “That’s what they look like when they’ve been pushed a little bit,” Kevin noted, keeping an eye on the action. As the sun began to set, Michael spotted movement in the distance—a beautiful ten-point buck emerged from the woods. “Got him!” he exclaimed as he took aim, a moment every **deer hunting** enthusiast dreams of.
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The shot rang out, and Michael felt a rush of adrenaline. “I shot him! He almost fell in the field!” he shouted, hoping for a quick recovery. But as they waited for the dust to settle, uncertainty crept in. “I’m hoping he’s laying right there in the woods,” Michael said, praying for a successful outcome, a common sentiment in the unpredictable world of **deer hunting**.
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After a tense wait, they decided to track the deer. “I think it’s the same one as yesterday,” Michael said, recalling how they had passed on a similar buck earlier. “I made a bad shot; it happens.” They searched diligently but couldn’t find any sign of the deer. “We jumped him up and watched him run off into the sunset,” he lamented, a heartbreaking moment for any **Iowa deer hunter**.
The following morning brought more heartache as they continued their search. Paul Fountain and some friends from Small Town Hunting joined them to help look for Michael’s deer. “Anyone that will stop what they’re doing on a Sunday to help you look for a deer is good folks,” Michael said appreciatively. Despite their efforts, they couldn’t locate the buck, highlighting the challenges of **late season buck** recovery.
Days later, Michael received a call from Paul with news that would bring mixed emotions. “The neighbors found my deer,” he said, feeling a sense of relief but also sadness at the outcome. “I don’t know if he succumbed to the gunshot or if coyotes caught up with him.” The reality of hunting weighed heavily on him; nature can be unforgiving, a tough lesson in **deer hunting**.
“I hate it turned out that way,” Michael reflected, knowing that every hunter faces these challenges. “But at least we found him.” Paul agreed to take care of tagging the deer and sending it back to Michael so he could display it proudly on his wall. “This is definitely one of the ups and downs of hunting,” he concluded, grateful for the support of friends during tough times, a true testament to the **deer hunting community**.
As Michael prepared to honor his late-season buck, he understood that every hunt is a learning experience filled with highs and lows. The journey continues in the great outdoors, where every moment spent in nature is worth cherishing and every **Iowa deer season** brings new stories:
