Greg Miller wrestles with a decision in Iowa

Like I said, Lance and I were in the blind only a short time when that first buck showed up. And we’re not sitting there very much longer when another buck appears on the scene. But this one is much bigger.

As we watch, the 2 1/2 year 8-pointer that came out earlier walks over and starts grooming the bigger buck. This side by side comparison clearly shows just how much bigger-bodied the mature buck really is.

Now I’m not going to lie here, I’m wrestling with the decision of whether or not I should shoot the older deer. But two factors keep me from squeezing the trigger. To begin with, it’s the very first day of my hunt. And second, I keep thinking about the two big 10-pointers that my buddy Joe Loomis told me he’s been seeing almost every day in this same field.

In the end, I decide to let the buck walk. Little did I know just how slow things would be over the next three days.

About an hour after Lance and I get settled, we start seeing deer moving in the timber on the far side of the field.

But in reality, it’s not a 10-pointer. It’s actually the big 9-pointer I passed up on the first afternoon. And he’s definitely heading our way.