New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-10-30
A HUNTER FIGHTS FOR LIFE.
ATTACKED BY A WOUNDED BUCK.
ANDREW COUGHS DESPERATE STRUGGLE AMONG
SULLIVAN COUNTY SCRUB OAK.


SULLIVAN COUNTY SCRUB OAK.
MONTICELLO, N. Y, Oct. 29.-Old hunters
agree In saying that they would rather meet and battle
with any wild animal In the woods than wounded
buck; and Andrew Couch famous hunter and guide, OF
this county, to-day than ever convinced that the
old hunters right. sportsmen OF this place, who
have just retuned from weeks hunt In the Black Lako
region, relate an exciting adventure OF the hunt.
Couch is OF the most noted hunters and guides In
the county He engaged by the Monticello party TO
drive" deer for them. They started two on the first
day, but did not succeed in getting shot On the sec-
ond day Couch drove Big Hin for the hunters The dogs
started buck I'm the afternoon and drove IL toward
Couch. As 1t came the ridge through the scrub
oak the guide saw that it was an enormous buck and
desiring that the visiting spOrtsmen should have shot
IT, he discharged barrel of his gun few feet in
front of the deer with the intention Of turning il of in
the direction Of the other hunters who stationed In
different run-ways" on the ridge
ATTACKED BY THE BUCK.
The deer did not change course Couch supposed
IT would, but turned and made directly toward him. He
discharged his remaining barrel at the deer as it came
bounding toward him. and It fell almost in its tracks.
Couch ran TO the spot and drew his knife to cut tho
deers throat suppOsng that II dead As the hunter
bending the deer it suddenly sprang to IT. feet
knocking COUGHS knife from his hand and attacked MN
with fury leapng IN the the air, and striking VclonsV
the hunter with It's sharp hoofs. Couch jumped quick
alwounded bucks fore-feet One Of the feet however,
struck him his left shoulder spun him round like top
and cut through the sleeve of his heavy hunting shrs
from shoulder TO wrist Couch had his gun in bis hand,
but it empty Before the deer could gather itself for
another attack the hunter dealt It powerful blow
the neck with the stock Of the gun. The blow
staggered the buck aud shivered the gun to pieces.
THE HUNTER on THE GROUND.
recovering quickly the buck sprang at Couch again,
and planted both forcee his shoulders telling him 10
the ground knowledge Of the great peril he was in
lent agility the hunters movements, and befor~the
buck could deal blow upon his chest with It's hoo has
would have doubtless been fatal Couch reganed his feet
and instantly closed with the buck, shouting meanwhile
to his companions for help Couch believed that tho
deer had been morally wounded by the rc-ba for tho
blood was flowing in great stream from its breast, and
be hoped that If he could himself hold ont long enough
ard prevent the Infatuated animal nom striking him
with its hoofs he would in short time see It suceunb
The bucks vitality however wonderful, and 70
seemed strong and fresh after quarter OF an no9r'
wrestling among the scrub oak as 1t was al the Degih-
ming Of the struggle.
II DESPERATE STRAITS.
Couch had twice been beneath the deer f0refect and
had received bad cuts and bruises. His clothing was
nearly all torn from him and he covered with blood
and nearly exhausted He felt that his only hope was
either In the appearance OF the other hunters on
the scene or decisive movement OF bis own 70 Ses
the better the deer. He had dropped his gun barrel
when he closed with deer but at last In the cone OF
the struggle the spot where once more reached
BY quick movement himself from the deer,
and sprang for the weapon. He had scarcely secoreds
and risen to feet before the buck once more
upnD him Couch raised the gln-hUrcl n the ar ana
put all his remaining strength in the blow he dealt tho
deer.
THE STRUGGLE ENDED.
II struck the animal back OF the anters and relied
the ground. The skull crushed and another DioW
ended the contest Couch then dropped Ito the ground
from sheer exhaustion
The other hunters, not having heard anything from
Couch after his two Shots the scene IN aDoHa
half an hour to what the result had BEEN They ouna
Couch and the deer lying side by side The hunter T2s
NOT seriously hnrt but badly cut and bruised lAo
deer was the largest that has been killed IN sullivan
County In many years. 1t weighed DO pounds