Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: teamhughes2007 on October 20, 2016, 08:21:54 PM


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Title: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: teamhughes2007 on October 20, 2016, 08:21:54 PM
I apologize for the length of this post but a buck of this caliber deserves a good write-up.

I’ll admit it; I was a little upset when I discovered that someone else had posted my buck.  However, I have to assume some of the blame as I sent the photo to several people knowing full well how fast it could circulate these days.  If I wanted to guarantee first posting I should have never released the photo in the first place.  I also reminded myself that I don’t hunt for fame or notoriety and no matter who posts what…the buck is still mine.  That said, let’s get to the story.

My typical “hunting season” consists of the highbuck hunt with my Dad and Brother, skipping the general season (I work for my Father-in-Law in Illinois harvesting corn and soybeans during that time) and then heading over to Montana for a late November hunt.  Through hard work and putting a lot of time in the woods, miles from roads and trails, we have all had great success harvesting quality deer over the last several years.  This year would produce similar results.

The season started off with the highbuck hunt.  I put in 17.5 miles with 7,000’ of elevation gain that opening day.  I spotted one large 4x4 I got on twice but couldn’t get a shot at, a small 3 pointer with some does that I let walk, a coyote I spotted just as he went out of sight and a moose hoof print.  The next morning I found that moose in a nearby drainage and was able to seek in to get some photos.  That morning also produced several does and three small 3 pointers I let walk.  We decided to cut the trip short because of weather; which was okay because harvest came early this year in Illinois and I would be able to hunt the general season.

I told my friend Erik, who has been patiently waiting several years, that if I didn’t fill my tag on the highbuck hunt I would take him with me during general season to hopefully get his first buck.  It wouldn’t surprise if he was praying I’d come back from the highbuck hunt with an unfilled tag.  Now, I haven’t hunted general season on the east side for about 5 years.  Fortunately my Dad and Brother have and provided scouting information that turned out to be spot on and priceless.  My Dad, Erik and I hit the woods before daylight opening morning.  I had decided that I would let Erik take first shots until he was able to get his first buck down.  Erik quickly spotted a buck but got set up too late to take a shot.  Less than 10 minutes later Erik was on another buck; but again could not get a shot off before it walked off the ridge.  Another 10 minutes go by and we spot another buck feeding over an adjacent ridgeline.  We spend about 25 minutes and about a 1,000 calories dropping in and out of two drainages and up the ridge above where we saw the buck go over.  Erik worked his way to the edge of a small rise to overlook the backside of the ridge.  He spotted two 3 pointers sparring with their antlers locked up.  I got over there just as Erik was setting up to take a shot.  The two bucks separated revealing one being much larger than the other.  Erik takes a shot and connects low on the larger buck who takes off.  Watching through my binoculars I know it’s a gut shot.  I also know that this deer could run himself to the next county if we push him.  We wait several minutes and then go investigate the location where he was standing when he was shot.  It took about 20 minutes to finally find a chunk of bloody fat and some hair with prints leading away.  We tracked the blood trail, losing it several times, for about an hour and a half.  We finally caught up to him and Erik was able to put a kill shot in his first buck.  We spent the rest of the day boning and packing him out.

Now it’s my turn.  I had planned on hunting a lot deeper into the area that Erik shot his buck but plans change when bucks are spotted.  I still wanted to get in there but decided to give it a day to let the pressure calm back down.  We went out the next day to a new area and didn’t see a thing.  We did a scouting trip that evening in the truck with my Dad which only produced does until we got back to my Dad’s cabin where we discovered a small 4x3 on the property.  We don’t shoot pets and this one wasn’t spooked so we let him walk.

The next morning put us back in the area we had hunted the first morning.  With light rain, thick fog and wind, I wasn’t expecting much.  We hunted into the area I wanted to get to without seeing or hearing anything.  After we took a break for a snack, Erik hiked over to the edge of the ridge to find a buck staring at him through the fog.  I quickly came over to get my binoculars on him.  He was a small 3 pointer so I decide not to take the shot.  Erik lost his mind; all he sees is “a steak with legs” and doesn’t understand why I wouldn’t take the shot.

---Side Note---
I’ve been hunting for about 10 years now.  In 2012 while in Montana I talked myself into shooting a buck I didn’t want to because of pride.  I decided from then on that my goal for hunting was not to fill a tag but to shoot mature deer and let my gut make call.  Nowadays, I know whether or not I’m going to take a shot the instant I’m able to get that first good look at a buck through my binoculars.  This buck did not make the cut.
-------------------

We let him walk and continued to work down the top of the ridge.  We spotted that buck again over the next rise.  Again, Erik loses his mind and wants to shoot it with his pistol to force me into tagging it (jokingly of course).  We let him walk and continued on.  I peek down over the next rise and through the thick fog spotted that buck again at about 75 yards.  What happens next takes less than 5 seconds.  I turn to tell Erik that I found that buck again but upon looking back realize it’s not the same buck.  I pull my binoculars up and because of the fog could only make out two big points sticking up and a kicker out to the side…my gut says shoot!  I shoulder my rifle, find antlers through the scope, put the cross hairs low behind the shoulder and fire a shot.  The buck takes off crashing down into some brush and out of sight...no chance for a follow-up shot.

The fact my gun hit the ground hard twice prior to taking that shot quickly turned my stomach over.  Was my rifle shooting true anymore?  Would we have to track this thing?  Did I even hit it?  We walk down to the spot he was standing and I can’t find blood; only large hoof prints bounding down into the brush.  I start walking slowly in that direction and realize the brush opened up into a flat grassy area.  I start scanning the grass and there he is…Buck Down!  I call to Erik to come over.  As I get closer I start to discover what exactly I shot.  The left side of his antlers is sticking up above the grass and I’m seeing trash everywhere.  I walk over to discover that I have just shot the buck of a lifetime.  I pick his antlers up and just admire the sheer awesomeness of this buck and realize how blessed I am.

After saying a quick pray thanking God for this harvest and for a quick, ethical kill I get to work.  I was able to contact my Dad who hiked in over 3 miles to bring an extra pack.  He is 72 years old and put in a lot of hunting already that morning; but he forgot all about that when he saw the buck.  I boned him out, packed the meat and the head in three packs and we all headed for the truck knowing we had just experienced something special.

Thank you Dad for being so generous with your cabin and helping me pack out.  Thank you Erik for being an extra set of eyes and helping me pack out.  Thank you Brian (brother) for putting in all those hours of hard hunting to discover areas like this.  And most of all thank you Susan (wife) for holding down the fort with 3 kids and one on the way to provide me with this opportunity.

-Kevin

Alright, enough story already…here are some measurement and pics:

Buck Measurements – 10 points on right (includes 3 eye guards), the large kicker on the right busted off just over an inch off the beam, 12 points on left (includes 1 eye guard), 22.5” main beam spread, 26.5” largest inside spread, 36.5” largest outside spread.

10/22/16 - Thanks Everyone!  This definitely didn't ruin hunting for the rest of my life...it only strengthened my love for it.  And plus, he busted off one large kicker which means there's a even bigger one out there!  Happy Hunting! :tup:
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: h20hunter on October 20, 2016, 08:27:55 PM
That is an unreal buck.
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: The scout on October 20, 2016, 08:29:26 PM
Your title says it all. Congratulations
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: sumpnz on October 20, 2016, 08:30:41 PM
That is an unreal buck.
:yeah:
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: kevinlisa06 on October 20, 2016, 08:31:21 PM
Damn skippy that's a dandy buck congratulations!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: highside74 on October 20, 2016, 08:32:29 PM
Way to go. And the pic with your children is great and the scale with the kids really shows how big he actually is.
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: kirkl on October 20, 2016, 08:36:38 PM
Great story and awesome buck.
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: carlyoungs on October 20, 2016, 08:36:56 PM
Nice buck! Congrats
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: daydreamn on October 20, 2016, 08:39:18 PM
Congratulations! Beautiful animal. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: coachcw on October 20, 2016, 08:42:46 PM
Thanks for sharing . Epic harvest  :tup:
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: tgray on October 20, 2016, 08:44:41 PM
Awesome buck, congratulations
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Rainier10 on October 20, 2016, 08:48:37 PM
Great buck. Thanks so much for sharing the story, the photos and the measurements.
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: trophyhunt on October 20, 2016, 08:50:37 PM
Thanks for sharing . Epic harvest  :tup:
:yeah: amazing
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: deerhunter_98520 on October 20, 2016, 08:51:42 PM
Thanks for sharing an awesome story and deer! Congrats!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Jonathan_S on October 20, 2016, 08:54:44 PM
Thanks for the story and pictures. Truly an awesome buck.
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Buckewe on October 20, 2016, 08:58:27 PM
Wow that is amazing what a stud buck
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Pinetar on October 20, 2016, 09:01:38 PM
Great story, hunt and incredible buck, Congrats!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Muleyslyr on October 20, 2016, 09:03:43 PM
Such an awesome looking buck! Congrats to ya!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: greenhead_killer on October 20, 2016, 09:05:50 PM
Awesome job! Great write up as well. Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Watimberghost on October 20, 2016, 09:10:25 PM
What a massive, prehistoric beast! Working hard, sharing the adventure with friends and family, thanking God and your wife, and sharing pics of your giant buck! This post has everything I love about this site! Thanks for sharing! Congrats  :tup:
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Curly on October 20, 2016, 09:15:04 PM
Wow!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Doublelunger on October 20, 2016, 09:16:26 PM
Nice work! That is one of the most bad@$$ bucks I've seen!!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 20, 2016, 09:18:51 PM
Stud buck. Thnx for the story.
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: RB on October 20, 2016, 09:20:52 PM
 :tup:
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Turner89 on October 20, 2016, 09:22:29 PM
Awesome buck :tup:
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: hunting4sanity on October 20, 2016, 09:39:53 PM
Whoa! I think that may actually be the buck of several lifetimes. Congratulations!
You thinking about taxidermy? :chuckle:
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: AlpineMuley on October 20, 2016, 09:40:06 PM
Outstanding buck and great story!!    :tup:
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Mfowl on October 20, 2016, 09:45:26 PM
Amazing buck! Congrats!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: MtnMuley on October 20, 2016, 09:49:55 PM
Heck of a buck. Just to have the opportunity on a buck like that with a tag in your pocket is one thing. Sealing the deal is priceless! :tup:
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: cem3434 on October 20, 2016, 09:50:06 PM
Get write up and congrats on a smoker!  Hopefully that big boy spread his genes around over the last couple of years.
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: jmscon on October 20, 2016, 10:02:14 PM
Masher!!! Congrats, great write up and thanks for sharing the story and the pics!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Widgeondeke on October 20, 2016, 10:04:37 PM
That is an awesome write up. 

Oh ya, a true buck of a lifetime
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: HvyHorn338 on October 20, 2016, 10:08:59 PM
Amazing looking buck.  Congrats man. 
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: hawksfan75 on October 20, 2016, 10:19:17 PM
That's a hell of a steak with legs! I can't believe it...
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: bullfisher on October 20, 2016, 10:21:04 PM
Quite the toad!
You'll have to keep us updated on what he scores. Great write up too.
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Hectocotylus on October 20, 2016, 10:24:19 PM
Wow


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Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: JLS on October 20, 2016, 11:47:36 PM
With a deer like that , score is about as meaningless as it gets.  Wow!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Wacenturion on October 20, 2016, 11:58:52 PM
Wow.....just Wow!! :tup:
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: X-Force on October 21, 2016, 12:07:07 AM
Buck of a lifetime for sure! Thanks for posting the pics and story!!!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Igottanewknee on October 21, 2016, 03:19:03 AM
Wow, what a beast!! :yike: Congratulations...
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: bowsandhose on October 21, 2016, 05:05:54 AM
I thought it was going to be tough to shoot a bigger buck then your bros buck this year but you definitely raised the bar. Congrats on the buck of dreams. And good luck on your MT trip
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: tgomez on October 21, 2016, 05:25:59 AM
Buck of a lifetime, CONGRADULATIONS!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 21, 2016, 05:41:59 AM
Fantastic, well-earned buck!  Congratulations.  Thanks for coming on and posting the story.   :tup:
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Skyvalhunter on October 21, 2016, 05:46:15 AM
That truly is a great buck!! Congrats.
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: WALLEYEGUY on October 21, 2016, 06:25:47 AM
Thanks for the write up, AWESOME :tup:
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: bearhunter99 on October 21, 2016, 06:32:36 AM
What a masher! Congrats!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Taco280AI on October 21, 2016, 06:52:16 AM
Eh, I guess a little buck like that will do  ;)  :tup:
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: pianoman9701 on October 21, 2016, 06:55:28 AM
Incredible, thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: WildBear on October 21, 2016, 07:13:26 AM
That buck is amazing! Thanks for sharing the story with us. Congrats! And best wishes on your future hunts. Hard work pays off, as we can see. Thanks again!  :tup:
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: nwwanderer on October 21, 2016, 07:21:04 AM
Great buck, back to the corn and beans or off on another hunt?
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Harbor_hunter on October 21, 2016, 07:22:25 AM
Incredible buck, good job!!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: go4steelhd on October 21, 2016, 07:25:30 AM
Thanks for choosing to share your story and pics. Congrats on a fantastic Buck.
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: kellama2001 on October 21, 2016, 07:46:22 AM
Truly awesome! And so neat that you could share the moment with friends and family. You all put in the hard work and it paid off. Love to see the genuine gratefulness and thanks given where it's due. A hearty (and slightly jealous) congratulations!  :tup:
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: danderson on October 21, 2016, 07:53:49 AM
Truly amazing buck, and a great story, Congratulations to you and your family
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on October 21, 2016, 08:25:37 AM
Congratulations!  More like the buck of several thousand lifetimes! 
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: TommyH on October 21, 2016, 08:31:21 AM
Truly awesome! And so neat that you could share the moment with friends and family. You all put in the hard work and it paid off. Love to see the genuine gratefulness and thanks given where it's due. A hearty (and slightly jealous) congratulations!  :tup:


^^^
Amazing buck ! Congratulations!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: MooseStock on October 21, 2016, 08:41:51 AM
What an awesome Buck and such a well written story. Its really nice in this day and age to know there are still Big old guys like that out there. Congrats on a truly once in a lifetime Buck and thanks for the writeup.....Les
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: NOCK NOCK on October 21, 2016, 09:20:46 AM
I believe I would pee myself if I ever even saw a buck like that while hunting.  :yike: :pee:      :chuckle: :chuckle:

Thanks for sharing the pictures and story, Congrats!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: TriggerMike on October 21, 2016, 09:44:28 AM
You killed that thing on public land in WA?  :yike: That is awesome.
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: mdbuck5x5 on October 21, 2016, 09:52:05 AM
Congratulations on that awesome buck well done. That's definitely the quality of buck we as hunters all strive for. At least I know I do. I'm wondering if not knowing just how truly big he was helped you make a good quality shot? Because I would have been shaking like a leaf if I seen all of that in the crosshairs!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: LDennis24 on October 21, 2016, 10:21:46 AM
Great Job! :tup: That buck is amazing! Like everyone else say's it's a buck of a lifetime! Just don't let that buck hold you back from enjoying hunting in the future when you don't see any as big as him! Lol! Then again... maybe he left enough genetics around that you have a new honey hole that will produce magnificent bucks for years to come! Again great job and Congratulation's!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: fishnfur on October 21, 2016, 10:53:45 AM
Way to go!  Somehow, it seems you were destined for this buck, really lucky, or a combination of both.  I guess your buddy will never second guess you decision to pass on a buck again, huh?
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Chad Osterholtz on October 21, 2016, 01:53:12 PM
Unreal... I keep looking at the pics and can hardly believe it... Good job!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: h2ofowlr on October 21, 2016, 02:25:23 PM
Great buck.  Definitely a buck of a lifetime.  Let us know what it scores, when you get the tape on it.
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Natures Way on October 21, 2016, 03:21:22 PM
Great buck! congratulations!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Whitpirate on October 21, 2016, 03:21:43 PM
@boneaddict I think Bone has some history with this buck.


What a beast!  Congratulations
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: HvyHorn338 on October 21, 2016, 03:47:26 PM
Amazing Washington buck and great write up.  Congrats to you. 
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: cbond3318 on October 21, 2016, 04:05:50 PM
BEEEEEEEAASSSSSSSSSTTTTTTTT!!

That's a dream haunter there and you got him!

Congratulations!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: boneaddict on October 21, 2016, 04:32:10 PM
@boneaddict I think Bone has some history with this buck.


What a beast!  Congratulations
I do.   It came up in the other thread. It must have got nuked for this one.
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: bowhunterforever on October 21, 2016, 06:49:29 PM
Amazing buck :drool: Congrats
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: jeffitz on October 21, 2016, 07:26:36 PM
Speechless
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: teamhughes2007 on October 22, 2016, 07:14:02 AM
Thanks Everyone!  This definitely didn't ruin hunting for the rest of my life...it only strengthened my love for it.  And plus, he busted off one large kicker which means there's a even bigger one out there!  Happy Hunting! :tup:
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Nash on October 22, 2016, 07:26:46 AM
Sweet buck man!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: elkrack on October 22, 2016, 02:29:38 PM
Amazing buck congrats!!  :tup:
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Shooting Stix on October 22, 2016, 08:34:45 PM
That's a monster great job
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: hard hunter on October 22, 2016, 10:04:04 PM
Awesome buck and great story
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Wea300mag on October 23, 2016, 01:28:58 PM
WOW . . . . . . JUST WOW!!!! :yike:
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: timberghost72 on October 23, 2016, 02:28:22 PM
Awesome!!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: teanawayslayer on October 23, 2016, 03:28:11 PM
Unreal buck!! Thanks for sharing your story and pics! That buck is what dreams are made of! :tup:
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: JJB11B on October 23, 2016, 03:36:15 PM
absolute treasure! Congratulations!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: autodink13 on October 23, 2016, 05:37:45 PM
Wow!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: ian_padron on October 23, 2016, 07:33:07 PM
unreal. you should be incredibly proud my man, that is indeed a buck of a lifetime.
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Mark251 on October 24, 2016, 08:16:33 AM
Awesome buck  :tup: :tup: :tup:
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: bracer40 on October 24, 2016, 08:55:23 AM
Wow! What a beast!

Thanks for a great write up!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: C-Money on October 24, 2016, 03:48:44 PM
Nice buck, Congrats!!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: saylean on October 24, 2016, 07:06:40 PM
Amazing buck, heartfelt story! A very hearty congrats to you.
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: muleyslayer on October 25, 2016, 05:53:08 AM
Great buck! Congratulations
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Skyvalhunter on October 25, 2016, 05:54:01 AM
 :tup:
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on October 25, 2016, 08:21:18 PM
Good thing you went with your gut on that one, great buck and nice storey.  :tup:
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Hankbest17 on October 25, 2016, 10:45:16 PM
Awesome buck!! Hopefully we'll get to check him out at the sportsmans show?? :tup: :tup: :tup:
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: shootem on October 25, 2016, 11:15:40 PM
Great story, great buck, congrats.
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: carpsniperg2 on October 25, 2016, 11:36:07 PM
That is a amazing buck congrats on the trophy of a life time :IBCOOL:
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: gundogr on October 26, 2016, 08:17:06 AM
muther of gawd!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Matth on October 26, 2016, 09:29:12 AM
 :yike: that is just awesome. congrats man, not only for the deer, but those times with family, and friends can't be replaced.
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: niceshot on October 26, 2016, 12:26:39 PM
Unreal to say the least.  Nothing better than time spent with family and Friends doing something we love. 
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Bearkiller72 on October 26, 2016, 03:19:26 PM
Absolutely amazing buck!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Joeykon123 on October 26, 2016, 06:17:37 PM
I thought those bucks only existed in other states! Way to go man and way to listen to your gut!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: ShaneTyTrey on November 27, 2016, 10:07:19 PM
Congrats, truly the buck of a lifetime
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: grundy53 on November 28, 2016, 06:17:56 AM
Wow! How have I missed this? Awesome buck! Congratulations!

Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk

Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on November 28, 2016, 11:11:52 AM
Don't forget to put it In the 5 point thread. :tup:

@teamhughes2007
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: SkookumHntr on November 28, 2016, 11:25:03 AM
WOW
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: Transka on November 28, 2016, 06:34:02 PM
  :kneel:
OUTSTANDING BUCK!
Title: Re: The Buck of a Lifetime
Post by: JJB11B on November 28, 2016, 07:29:25 PM
I apologize for the length of this post but a buck of this caliber deserves a good write-up.

I’ll admit it; I was a little upset when I discovered that someone else had posted my buck.  However, I have to assume some of the blame as I sent the photo to several people knowing full well how fast it could circulate these days.  If I wanted to guarantee first posting I should have never released the photo in the first place.  I also reminded myself that I don’t hunt for fame or notoriety and no matter who posts what…the buck is still mine.  That said, let’s get to the story.

My typical “hunting season” consists of the highbuck hunt with my Dad and Brother, skipping the general season (I work for my Father-in-Law in Illinois harvesting corn and soybeans during that time) and then heading over to Montana for a late November hunt.  Through hard work and putting a lot of time in the woods, miles from roads and trails, we have all had great success harvesting quality deer over the last several years.  This year would produce similar results.

The season started off with the highbuck hunt.  I put in 17.5 miles with 7,000’ of elevation gain that opening day.  I spotted one large 4x4 I got on twice but couldn’t get a shot at, a small 3 pointer with some does that I let walk, a coyote I spotted just as he went out of sight and a moose hoof print.  The next morning I found that moose in a nearby drainage and was able to seek in to get some photos.  That morning also produced several does and three small 3 pointers I let walk.  We decided to cut the trip short because of weather; which was okay because harvest came early this year in Illinois and I would be able to hunt the general season.

I told my friend Erik, who has been patiently waiting several years, that if I didn’t fill my tag on the highbuck hunt I would take him with me during general season to hopefully get his first buck.  It wouldn’t surprise if he was praying I’d come back from the highbuck hunt with an unfilled tag.  Now, I haven’t hunted general season on the east side for about 5 years.  Fortunately my Dad and Brother have and provided scouting information that turned out to be spot on and priceless.  My Dad, Erik and I hit the woods before daylight opening morning.  I had decided that I would let Erik take first shots until he was able to get his first buck down.  Erik quickly spotted a buck but got set up too late to take a shot.  Less than 10 minutes later Erik was on another buck; but again could not get a shot off before it walked off the ridge.  Another 10 minutes go by and we spot another buck feeding over an adjacent ridgeline.  We spend about 25 minutes and about a 1,000 calories dropping in and out of two drainages and up the ridge above where we saw the buck go over.  Erik worked his way to the edge of a small rise to overlook the backside of the ridge.  He spotted two 3 pointers sparring with their antlers locked up.  I got over there just as Erik was setting up to take a shot.  The two bucks separated revealing one being much larger than the other.  Erik takes a shot and connects low on the larger buck who takes off.  Watching through my binoculars I know it’s a gut shot.  I also know that this deer could run himself to the next county if we push him.  We wait several minutes and then go investigate the location where he was standing when he was shot.  It took about 20 minutes to finally find a chunk of bloody fat and some hair with prints leading away.  We tracked the blood trail, losing it several times, for about an hour and a half.  We finally caught up to him and Erik was able to put a kill shot in his first buck.  We spent the rest of the day boning and packing him out.

Now it’s my turn.  I had planned on hunting a lot deeper into the area that Erik shot his buck but plans change when bucks are spotted.  I still wanted to get in there but decided to give it a day to let the pressure calm back down.  We went out the next day to a new area and didn’t see a thing.  We did a scouting trip that evening in the truck with my Dad which only produced does until we got back to my Dad’s cabin where we discovered a small 4x3 on the property.  We don’t shoot pets and this one wasn’t spooked so we let him walk.

The next morning put us back in the area we had hunted the first morning.  With light rain, thick fog and wind, I wasn’t expecting much.  We hunted into the area I wanted to get to without seeing or hearing anything.  After we took a break for a snack, Erik hiked over to the edge of the ridge to find a buck staring at him through the fog.  I quickly came over to get my binoculars on him.  He was a small 3 pointer so I decide not to take the shot.  Erik lost his mind; all he sees is “a steak with legs” and doesn’t understand why I wouldn’t take the shot.

---Side Note---
I’ve been hunting for about 10 years now.  In 2012 while in Montana I talked myself into shooting a buck I didn’t want to because of pride.  I decided from then on that my goal for hunting was not to fill a tag but to shoot mature deer and let my gut make call.  Nowadays, I know whether or not I’m going to take a shot the instant I’m able to get that first good look at a buck through my binoculars.  This buck did not make the cut.
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We let him walk and continued to work down the top of the ridge.  We spotted that buck again over the next rise.  Again, Erik loses his mind and wants to shoot it with his pistol to force me into tagging it (jokingly of course).  We let him walk and continued on.  I peek down over the next rise and through the thick fog spotted that buck again at about 75 yards.  What happens next takes less than 5 seconds.  I turn to tell Erik that I found that buck again but upon looking back realize it’s not the same buck.  I pull my binoculars up and because of the fog could only make out two big points sticking up and a kicker out to the side…my gut says shoot!  I shoulder my rifle, find antlers through the scope, put the cross hairs low behind the shoulder and fire a shot.  The buck takes off crashing down into some brush and out of sight...no chance for a follow-up shot.

The fact my gun hit the ground hard twice prior to taking that shot quickly turned my stomach over.  Was my rifle shooting true anymore?  Would we have to track this thing?  Did I even hit it?  We walk down to the spot he was standing and I can’t find blood; only large hoof prints bounding down into the brush.  I start walking slowly in that direction and realize the brush opened up into a flat grassy area.  I start scanning the grass and there he is…Buck Down!  I call to Erik to come over.  As I get closer I start to discover what exactly I shot.  The left side of his antlers is sticking up above the grass and I’m seeing trash everywhere.  I walk over to discover that I have just shot the buck of a lifetime.  I pick his antlers up and just admire the sheer awesomeness of this buck and realize how blessed I am.

After saying a quick pray thanking God for this harvest and for a quick, ethical kill I get to work.  I was able to contact my Dad who hiked in over 3 miles to bring an extra pack.  He is 72 years old and put in a lot of hunting already that morning; but he forgot all about that when he saw the buck.  I boned him out, packed the meat and the head in three packs and we all headed for the truck knowing we had just experienced something special.

Thank you Dad for being so generous with your cabin and helping me pack out.  Thank you Erik for being an extra set of eyes and helping me pack out.  Thank you Brian (brother) for putting in all those hours of hard hunting to discover areas like this.  And most of all thank you Susan (wife) for holding down the fort with 3 kids and one on the way to provide me with this opportunity.

-Kevin

Alright, enough story already…here are some measurement and pics:

Buck Measurements – 10 points on right (includes 3 eye guards), the large kicker on the right busted off just over an inch off the beam, 12 points on left (includes 1 eye guard), 22.5” main beam spread, 26.5” largest inside spread, 36.5” largest outside spread.

10/22/16 - Thanks Everyone!  This definitely didn't ruin hunting for the rest of my life...it only strengthened my love for it.  And plus, he busted off one large kicker which means there's a even bigger one out there!  Happy Hunting! :tup:
Just finally took a quick look at your rifle in your Pic. You should send that to Ruger, Holy Crap man Love that animal!!
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