I have watched this buck grow for the last two years. Last year, I had an opportunity that I passed on, and then later picked up his sheds in Spring. He is the buck that haunted my dreams all year.
On the 8th, I headed into an inside corner downwind of doe bedding where "Jim" frequented. I had gotten a picture of him the night before and had a feeling he would be close.
As I sat in the stand, I heard chasing, grunting and snort wheezing in the valley to the SW. I could tell it was a mature buck, but couldn't get eyes on him. It calmed down and they seemed to walk off heading SW. With 30 minutes left, I heard foot steps and then tending grunts. They were heading towards me on the thick hill side. I finally got eyes on him as he raked some brush and realized it was "Jim." The doe would browse and he would browse giving her about 15 yards of space. They moved painfully slow in front of me at 40+ yards as light faded. The whole time I was scanning for opportunities, but it looked like they were going to skirt me.
She made her way out of sight, so I focused on him when all of a sudden she looped around and popped out next to me at 10 yards. It made no sense. I said to myself, "holy poop, it's going to happen." He saw her and turned and headed straight for me. He stopped at 25 yards facing me. The doe turned to head back and he immediately spun almost 180 degrees. I had to stop him and draw simultaneously. I settled the pin and tucked it in his back rib as he was quartering away. He took off and crashed hard in less than 5 seconds.
What a Great buck. A hunt like this will live with you forever.
congrats! Awesome buck and hunt
that's a really nice buck and a awesome story to tell.