Paul - 8 Pt Buck, Dec. 7, 2002 Hunt

I spent the past couple months preparing for the hunting season with obtaining gear and sighting in my shotgun. I looked through some magazines and scanned some internet sites and always saw photos of large deer with big antlers. My last time hunting was 8 yrs ago and saw maybe three deer (all doe). My dream was to get back out hunting, spend a few hours searching for deer and to harvest an eight point buck the first morning out. Amazingly, this was done on the last weekend of deer season! I don't think it will go this smoothly anymore, too easy or lucky. After scanning various internet sites and searching for NY state hunting guides I came across Mark's website (Grand Island Sportsman) plus the review from hunt guide. I did not want to hunt public land for many reasons with one being that since I never shot a deer before I was not sure what I would do with it as far as field dressing, butchering etc.

I then decided to book the weekend with Mark and at least I should get a good opportunity to see some deer. The worst case scenario is I see nothing and have an enjoyable time in the woods. Even as I sat on the stand the first morning I was very content that if I don't have any opportunities at harvesting a deer I would still be pleased. It was a beautiful sunny day after all! The sunrise was at 0725 hrs and by 0815 hrs I saw three doe coming down the hillside feeding. They were about 100 yds away and would have made a difficult shot without a clear shooting lane. They left the area about 20 minutes later. Then, within 10 minutes another four doe appeared at the same location and one was within clear shooting range. I thought of taking the shot but really wanted a buck as my first deer and would take a doe the next morning if no luck today. By 0900 hrs I saw nine doe total! Then it was quiet and I began thinking how many more deer could there be in one location? Another group of around six doe showed up and I began sighting in the larger of the group. She began crossing the creek and turned back quickly sensing me in the stand I believe. This group of doe then disappeared from sight moving uphill. Now I just wasn't believing my eyes. At around 1000 hrs in the same location of the other doe I have been watching all morning I now saw five more doe. There were two big ones in front I began sighting in and in the back of my head remembered during the rut bucks usually follow up the pack of doe. Mark also mentioned to be the night before that the bucks are in a late season rut during this weekend. So, I backed off from the scope and scanned the area. Sure enough without believing my eyes I saw my first buck which looked to be a four pointer. I immediately sighted him in and took my shot from 75 yds. The deer all stood still! Five doe in the front and the buck still in his spot. I missed completely and thought for sure the deer would scatter as I reloaded. No such luck for them this morning. I then rested the barrel of the shotgun on the stand and aimed once again at the buck and took a second shot. This time all the deer took off running uphill. I thought it was a clean shot but now I did not know anymore since I missed the first shot. As the buck ran he veared off from the pack of doe and jumped over the creek on my side and continued running in an arc in front of my stand. He ran a couple hundred yards and dropped for good 30 yards from my stand. I watched him through my scope and he now seemed larger than I first thought. I watched him for several minutes and decided he was not going anywhere. I remembered Mark telling me not to jump off the stand immediately and approach a downed deer as the animal may get up and run for hundreds of yards making it difficult to track. I collected my gear and climbed off the stand. As I approached the deer I saw the massive rack and he turned out to be an eight pointer! Wow, just what I dreamed of. I radioed Mark and he showed up a short while later and field dressed the deer for me. We then loaded the deer on the ATV and headed back to the camp. Mark seemed more excited than I was as his clients success rate just climbed higher. The shot itself was clean through both lungs. The important lesson here which Mark mentioned many times is your gun must be sighted in properly to make an accurate shot. I heard too many stories of bad shots taken by hunters and the deer running off and never being found or suffering longer than neccesary. I was almost at fault by missing my first shot. I knew that next shot better count.

Then came the fun part. Mark, along with his knife wielding capabilities, caped the deer perfectly so as to protect the head and shoulder area to make things easier for the taxidermist. He then quartered the deer and filled my extra large cooler to the top with meat. Mark also went out of his way to make arrangements for the head and hide to be transported to a local taxidermist whom he knows well and has a good reputation. I would be Mark's sixth client this season to have their deer sent to a taxidermist!

Mark's camp is very suitable for a few hunters and comfortable for eating, sleeping and keeping warm. I was there to hunt for the weekend so not much is needed since most of the time is spent in the great outdoors. I travelled solo from Long Island and was greeted by Mark 6 hrs later at his camp. He has hunted and owned property in the area for over 25 years so he has plenty of experiences to share. He owns 300+ acres of adjoining land which borders state land and other private land. He has many stands situated at key locations giving the hunter the best opportunities of a clear shot. If necessary Mark can also set up a ground blind which has proven successful. Over the weekend Mark's friend Jim showed up for the hunt along with a local father and son. Three of us harvested a deer during the weekend hunt! We all shared many stories over the weekend and even got along with one another.

I could not have asked for a better weekend hunting with Mark Hassan. Mark definately will do his best make your hunt a successful one! I look forward to joining Mark once again next season this time for archery. I will not expect to harvest another large buck next season but one never knows what will be waiitng on the other side of the hill. Maybe the large black bear that was sighted earlier this season!

Paul
Amity Harbor, New York

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