Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: bucknbullhunter on February 02, 2021, 07:24:02 PM

Title: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: bucknbullhunter on February 02, 2021, 07:24:02 PM: I have a 3 year history with this buck and boy did it payoff this year. Three years ago I tried to hunt this buck but only got a few night time pictures of him. I never saw him in 2019 but my son did pick up one of his sheds in the spring. So we new if he made it through the winter he would be big. I decided to put up a stand near where my son found his shed. So my son and I went up to set our stand in early November before season started. Unfortunately we had a bad experience with another hunter that thought he owned the whole mountain. So we decided not to hunt that spot and move to another location where there were some good bucks in the past. After a couple of weeks not seeing much I decided to go back and check on my first spot. By looks of it nobody had been there for quit some time. The other hunter must shot a buck. So the Sunday before thanksgiving we went back up and set up my stand. It was a great spot with some good rut activity. We set up a camera and with in two days got a picture of the buck. I sat Tuesday morning and evening and didn’t see or hear much. Wednesday morning I did some rattling and had a buck come in grunting but never came out of the creek bottom. I sat again Wednesday evening and had few does come by. I decided not to hunt thanksgiving day. I went back Friday morning and had what I thought was a mature buck grunting in the creek bottom again but he never appeared. I sat till 10 and decided that I wanted to adjust my stand and put it higher in the tree to give me better shot options if a buck gives me an opportunity. So I was again sitting by noon. Didn’t have much action until about 3:45 when I started hearing movement in the creek bottom to my left. I then see a doe coming across a clearing about 100 yards away heading into the creek. Within seconds of the doe going into the creek I hear a buck grunting up on the ridge above the creek. I look over to where I just saw the doe and I see a buck with his head down grunting coming down the hill to the creek bottom. I put my binoculars up and took a look I can’t believe how big this buck is. He runs into the creek bottom blowing out about 5 deer. Not sure what they were. He’s in the creek coming up the hill in my direction following the doe. So I get my self all ready and range the shooting lanes where I think he might come out. I don’t even get time to try to settle my nerves and I look up and he’s at 60 yards facing me looking for the doe that walked through. He comes from my left to 42 yards and stops broadside. He can’t see the doe and is looking all around. So I decide that I’m going to take the shot. I draw my Hoyt bow back as slow and smooth as I can so I don’t spook him. I settle my 40 yard pin right behind his shoulder and squeeze the trigger on my release. The shot looked good. He spun and headed back down into the creek bottom. As I sat there in disbelief that this really happened I can hear him running through the brush. I felt the shot was good but was a little concerned that it was high and back from where I wanted it. I gave him 15 minutes or so. I got down and went over to check where I shot him. The blood was really good and was spraying quit a bit. So I followed the blood trail for about 40 yards into the creek bottom. After going into the creek bottom I decided I was going to go get my hunting partner and my son to help me follow the blood trail and recover the buck. After about an hour and getting something to eat we made it back up to the creek bottom. The blood was still good but he actually headed up the hill to where he came from. I was a little bit concerned that he was going up hill. But within about 40 yards we found him. He died within minutes of my shot. The emotions we all felt walking up on this buck were incredible. I had never seen a buck this size in my life. He is an absolute giant in every way. I put in a lot work and many hours. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210203/7cf12fe520620d7dcd9ce6263ddf8649.jpg)
A good friend of mine told me never say this is luck you put yourself in the situation with hard work and dedication. I truly believe my hard work and dedication put me in the right spot at the right time. I had this buck officially scored last week and he scored 201 4/8 gross and 194 4/8 net. Truly a buck and a hunt of a lifetime and many memories that I will never forget. I was so lucky to be able to share this with my son and my hunting buddies. I hope everyone enjoys the story and the pictures as much as I do. (https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210203/a761200af0c1536e143533b4699c23cb.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210203/5107c13ce24050342bb5cba340a19298.jpg)

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210203/b3d8e978bc9f30f7d3bbfa2fe8390b1e.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210203/d4e7ec506db09aa41e039e1e3928cd6e.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210203/06dbb1bd5bff5a275f0228a7735f2c6a.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210203/56cbaa91e526d6472d1fa8206ed1dff6.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210203/6a7a1204c39ba1658c78d14042092a5b.jpg)

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Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: Miles on February 02, 2021, 07:35:16 PM: Congrats!

It’s awesome going through that process. It’s also a little sad once the chase is over. I went through this with an elk and sometimes wish I was still chasing him around and figuring out his habits.
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: Ghost Hunter on February 02, 2021, 07:35:54 PM: Awesome buck. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: Bowhunter3 on February 02, 2021, 07:37:25 PM: Holy smokes
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: carpsniperg2 on February 02, 2021, 07:38:42 PM: Amazing deer congrats :tup:
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: elkboy on February 02, 2021, 07:40:19 PM: That is an amazing buck. Congratulations on a tremendous hunt!
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: High Climber on February 02, 2021, 07:44:31 PM: Wow! Thanks for sharing that’s pretty cool your boy found his shed 👍
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: DeerThug on February 02, 2021, 07:49:29 PM: Wow thats awesome...
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: zwickeyman on February 02, 2021, 07:51:28 PM: Great Buck
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: MADMAX on February 02, 2021, 07:53:58 PM: Stud whitetail :tup:
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: Buckhunter24 on February 02, 2021, 07:59:57 PM: Holy smokes :tup:
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: Pinetar on February 02, 2021, 08:08:48 PM: WOW!! What a monster! Congrats and way too put in the time
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: Ridgerunner on February 02, 2021, 08:09:23 PM: What a great whitetail. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: h2ofowlr on February 02, 2021, 08:11:10 PM: Great buck. :tup:
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: cbond3318 on February 02, 2021, 08:11:26 PM: That’s awesome! He really stacked it from 19’ :yike:
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: M_ray on February 02, 2021, 08:23:28 PM: True Giant, congrats to you!
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: redi on February 02, 2021, 08:28:26 PM: WOW! Dandy buck. Congrats
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: fowl smacker on February 02, 2021, 08:31:50 PM: :yike:
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: lewy on February 02, 2021, 08:36:35 PM: :tup:
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: Dan-o on February 02, 2021, 08:42:39 PM: Wow!!!!!
That is the kind of monster dreams are made of.

Congratulation!!!!!
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: stickbuck on February 02, 2021, 08:51:44 PM: Congrats bro! So happy for you! Truly a buck of many lifetimes. It was an unreal experience getting a chance to hold this buck’s rack. I was truly speechless and honestly still am when I look back at all the pics. I can’t wait to get back in the blind and stands with you guys in search of the next monster!

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Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: TommyH on February 02, 2021, 09:10:26 PM: Stud buck! :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup:
Would love to see the shed from last year. Always thought it would be cool to have a plaque with “hank” and trail cam pics of him on the hoof. Sheds of him as well tops it off.
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: Karl Blanchard on February 02, 2021, 09:18:01 PM: Incredible deer! Thank you for sharing :tup:
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: pd on February 02, 2021, 09:35:40 PM: Wow. With that buck, you Sir have entered the Pantheon! Congratulations.
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: actionshooter on February 02, 2021, 09:38:11 PM: Sweet baby Jesus... wow!! Congrats!
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: NumaJohn on February 02, 2021, 09:42:27 PM: Fantastic buck! Congratulations.

John
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: Buckhunter24 on February 02, 2021, 09:44:18 PM: Holy smokes :tup:
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: bearhunter99 on February 02, 2021, 10:19:24 PM: What a stud buck! Congrats!

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Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: northwesthunter84 on February 02, 2021, 10:39:03 PM: That is a toad, congratulations.
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: Doublelunger on February 02, 2021, 10:43:20 PM: Amazing! Thanks for the story. Saw the pictures on the Instagram a while back and was hoping to hear the story!

Side note: you said you weren't sure of the shot when you tracked him and he ran up hill. Ive always heard people say when they're hurt bad they'll run downhill and towards water. I've always thought that was BS. I think they run back to wherever they feel safe and secure. Sometimes thats strait up the mountain to their little hidey hole.
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: huntnphool on February 03, 2021, 01:16:46 AM: :tup:
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: 2MANY on February 03, 2021, 01:49:56 AM: Winners gonna win.
Congrats to all involved and nice shot.
42 yards on an animal of that magnitude is no chip shot.
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: Skyvalhunter on February 03, 2021, 05:07:11 AM: Nice buck, a bonus when you can get it out whole.
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: nwmein199 on February 03, 2021, 06:16:50 AM: great buck and write up. Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: C-Money on February 03, 2021, 06:52:45 AM: Congratulations! That thing is a monster!
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: Fl0und3rz on February 03, 2021, 07:47:10 AM: Wow! Congratulations, and thanks for the pics and write-up.
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: lastmk8 on February 03, 2021, 07:49:27 AM: WOW, I think I just spot welded my skivvies, Awesome Buck right there. Thanks for the write up also, nice to know you have known of him for a few years. That should mean his "seed" is all over that mountain. Also of note, there are probably a whole slew of "good bucks" that will be very happy next year not having to square off against that MONSTER!! Congrats again, that is truly a great buck!!!
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: Skyvalhunter on February 03, 2021, 08:08:22 AM: :yike:I don't think I need to read that first part.
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: mburrows on February 03, 2021, 08:16:43 AM: Holy cow, congrats and a very cool story. Always cool to have some history with a buck
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: BULLBLASTER on February 03, 2021, 08:54:24 AM: Amazing buck! Good job and thanks for sharing
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: vandeman17 on February 03, 2021, 09:29:29 AM: I think he could have used one more year to really hit his full potential.... :chuckle:
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: OutHouse on February 03, 2021, 09:37:33 AM: You deserve every inch of that monster buck!! Great story too :hello:

EDIT: That is a buck of several lifetimes!
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: Ironhead on February 03, 2021, 09:38:39 AM: :tup:
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: Rainier10 on February 03, 2021, 10:02:28 AM: What a masher of a buck, congrats.

Quote from: TommyH on February 02, 2021, 09:10:26 PM
Stud buck! :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup:
Would love to see the shed from last year. Always thought it would be cool to have a plaque with “hank” and trail cam pics of him on the hoof. Sheds of him as well tops it off.

Last photo of the buck with the red barn in the background has the shed antler laying on the deer's belly. He really did blow up this year.
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: greenhead_killer on February 03, 2021, 10:07:53 AM: Awesome deer! Thanks for the write up
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: Wunderlich33 on February 03, 2021, 10:27:15 AM: Awesome Buck! I love the fact the some jack wagon thought he owned the mountain and ran you off... and for you to come back to the same spot later in the year to smoke this giant only makes it that much sweeter! Hunting hard, being kind, and living right will reward all of us in the long run. Too bad some don't see it that way :( Congratz again
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: bucknbullhunter on February 03, 2021, 11:11:27 AM: Exactly. I hope I see him next year to thank him. Lol
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: pianoman9701 on February 03, 2021, 11:17:54 AM: Great story, amazing buck!!! :yike:
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: Duckslayer89 on February 03, 2021, 11:19:36 AM: Was this a wa buck? Congrats man
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: boneaddict on February 03, 2021, 12:15:27 PM: Gorgeous buck!
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: bucknbullhunter on February 03, 2021, 12:21:40 PM: Yes Washington buck.
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: Bowhunter3 on February 03, 2021, 04:23:36 PM: Quote from: Wunderlich33 on February 03, 2021, 10:27:15 AM
Awesome Buck! I love the fact the some jack wagon thought he owned the mountain and ran you off... and for you to come back to the same spot later in the year to smoke this giant only makes it that much sweeter! Hunting hard, being kind, and living right will reward all of us in the long run. Too bad some don't see it that way :( Congratz again

:yeah:
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: jstone on February 03, 2021, 04:26:46 PM: Wow
Absolute stud!!!!! Congratulations
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: Goshawk on February 04, 2021, 06:04:47 PM: Great story and pictures!
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: Dwrecknfish on February 18, 2021, 01:56:43 PM: What an awesome buck!
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: hunthard on February 18, 2021, 07:59:29 PM: Unbeeeeeeliveable, what a stud.
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: adictosacazar on May 02, 2021, 02:00:04 AM: Congrats!
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: ArcherJack on May 02, 2021, 08:36:07 AM: Great Buck. I really like the blood trail photo. I shows a guy what it should look like when its done right.

Great Job.
Title: Re: Buck of a lifetime
Post by: jstone on May 02, 2021, 11:06:00 AM: Time to hang the bow up.
Good luck topping that!!