September 13th, 2008 was the opener for the NJ bow season. As usual I spent the prior six weeks hanging stands, running mineral and supplement, setting cameras anticipating the start of the season. This year would not be my typical NJ bow season. My time to hunt was limited because my son Stephen IV was due to go back down to CHOP for his third surgical procedure since he was born. With one day to hunt we had a tall order in store.

The Morning of the 13th was wet and windy. We ascended the mountain early in the morning working up a great sweat that was being washed away by the falling drizzle. Once at our stand Bryan and I got our clothes changed and climbed the tree. At 9:008 AM a doe finally finished her 1 hour march towards our stand. At 23 yards the broadhead found its mark and then she jetted for heavy cover. Due to the wet leaves and thick cover it took a little bit longer to trail her than anticipated. But the well placed arrow did the trick. Bryan did an excellent job capturing the action on tape.

We checked in the deer after a two mile drag. Since we were on the road, our butcher station was a tarp behind the truck. We got the doe into a cooler and then got ourselves cleaned up with a big jug of water. Once our clean clothes were donned, it was back to a different stand to see if we could find a buck that we had some scouting pictures of from the week prior.

At 3:30 PM a spike buck walked pas the stand and then winded us. After a few blows and some crashing through the brush he was gone. Now did the big buck hear that commotion and decide not to come our way. At 4:00 PM the rain started to fall. Bryan rigged up the camera in his waterproof bag and sat back down to wait. After 20 minutes the rain stopped and the sun began to emerge. As Bryan removed the rain cover I noticed movement to my right. The big buck was making his way through the thick cover towards our shooting lanes.

I slowly stood and raised my bow. Bryan quickly found the deer on camera and gave me the O.K. to shoot. All I could think about was can I make this shot for my son Stephen. I was hoping we both could celebrate with a nice buck before our trip to the hospital. When the arrow hit the buck, he went right down. I hit him high in the spine, but was able to quickly dispatch him. I am thanking the Lord for a great, brief season with two good deer and a great Family to share every day with. Stephen this hunt was for you buddy. In a couple of years you will be old enough to shot some bucks like this with Dad.

For the complete story and video go to HuntNut.com we will be launching the site early in the Fall of 08. I will keep you all posted.

Good Luck This Season!
Steve Behun
Team HuntNut

Tags: NJ Fall Bow - A Hunt For My Son Stephen IV