Bob Toole
5/5
This was my second hunting trip and first deer. Master Rack Lodge is awesome. The staff and hunters who were there was a amazing group of people. Gomez was our main guide, Chad, Zach and Mr Steve were involved. Their excitement about what they do was inspiring. Knowing that I had never harvested a deer, much less a whitetail, they made sure to explain things efficiently. My first morning of observing this amazing land while waiting for the peace to be broken up by deer activity, was only ruffled by a huge Gobbler. It made its way from the woods to a sunny spot and opened its majestic wings and tail. What a picture I will never forget. It was about 28 degrees that morning. Then we went back to the lodge and ate some warm breakfast, hot coffee and great hospitality. While engaged with conversation of Mr. Chad he informed me that at the location of my evening shoot there is a buck hanging out by the crossed pine trees. The buck was strange, as one antler was taller than the other and not a normal looking rack. He said good luck. This really impressed me as I realized these guides must study the land so they are better equipped to guide us properly.
With the morning finished we returned to a great house across from the lodge. Full kitchen, more coffee, very comfortable bed , heaters, clean bathroom, hot-hot water. My buddy went back out early, I was picked up buy Mr. Gomez. He said Mr. Bob you don't shoot anything on the couch. So I got my butt up got dressed and jumped in the truck. Mr. Gomez talking to me , answering my questions (Probably heard the same questions 1000 x's) . We arrive to the green field at a shooting house. As usual Mr Gomez opens it and ask for my gear , places my gear safely in the box. Then he looks at me and say's "your going to see a lot of doe's, WAIT for the buck". For some reason that stuck in my head. Now i am no spring chicken. But I do know when it comes to hunting I am a novice, uneducated beginner! Very willing to learn. This learning is made easier when you trust the teachers. Believe me all the guides and the outfitter are men of virtue. So I climb in the stand 1:30 in the afternoon, first day. The peace and quiet is unforgettable! the picturesque beauty of it all is worth the event. Between 4:10 and 6:00 4 doe and a buck. Yes Sir the same buck Mr. Chad told me about and Mr Gomez guided me on. The first 2 doe arrived on the far end of the green field then the other 2 doe's popped up 50-60 yards to the right followed by the buck. I put the buck in my sight as it moved in on the back side of the 2 doe's. I moved my cross hairs to the front of the 2nd doe and waited as the buck moved into the cross hairs and BAM! I 1. waited for the buck. 2. stalked it (Kind of). 3 clean drop shot... Then I lit up like a hooked Dolphin:) . Damn I hit it! I'm so excited What do i do. So i grab the phone thinking I'm calling Gomez. Hey Gomez I got a buck, they reply No Gomez here! I look at phone and found Gomez so i texted him " Got a buck, I did it I waited for a buck! Gomez says where did he go, I said nowhere he dropped where i shot him. He said don't move we will be there. Then Gomez, Mr Steve and the dog show up and are smiling bigger than I am (Not Really). Mr Steve had me get behind the buck and pose for a picture. They loaded it up and the rest is history. The guides and some very patient guest all heard this story, i think i told it 10-15 times today/:).
This title should be "waited for the buck!" Thank you! Mr Steve and your team. Please say thanks to the entire staff you are truly the best. Hopefully I will get to hunt there again. God Bless!
PS. Thanks Chance Walsh and my Son Dean.
