Its over. I may have mentioned on here a few (hundred) times, I'd really like to get a tall, classic, 4pt mule deer buck. The wait is over. Not by my trigger pull, but my sons. Which, made the moment even more special. We had seen this buck twice opening weekend, but only for moments, before bedding back down. His bed was where he would not be found or bothered. Thursday morning was different. He was with a 2pt and a decent 3pt, feeding, and wandering around the tiny area he stuck to. The 3pt began lowering his head, and provoking the 4pt. Which the 4pt took in stride...for a time. One more good poke from the 3pt, and the 4pt stopped grazing, lifted his head turned and looked at the 3pt with disgust. Light sparing ensued, which turned a little more intense, ending with the 4pt getting good leverage and twisting the 3pts head around, 3pt loosing his front feet, and being momentarily pinned by the 4pt. They separated, the 3pt trotted away, with the 4pt on his heals, coming our way! They milled around for a bit out in front of us, and when it appeared they might go back to bed, it was time to get ready. My son settled in on his shooting stix, took some deep breaths, and... POW!!!....SMACK!! The 4pt absorbed the 150gr Interlock from my sons 30-06. Soon, the 4pt laid down, and went to sleep. We had him. Much respect given to this buck. If he would have stuck to his little area, no one would have ever found him. He would be long gone before anyone would ever be able to move vaguely close into his spot, and he'd never be seen making his get away. He made a mistake, and gave us a chance. So thankful for him. So many wonderful 2x3s, 3pts, 4x3s, almost 4x4s, but not quite....and now the quest is over. Sure, I'd like to hunt another 4pt, they are just so cool to me. Mule deer are my favorite animal, I really enjoy them. Seeing my son get him, and his emotions, and sharing that experience, is way better, and truly priceless than getting him myself. I had front row seats, through the spotting scope. Feelings in that moment wrapped in joy that life rarely can top. The 4pt was my sons first "large" buck as well. Thanks for reading this short story.
