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Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: tvandy45 on September 02, 2023, 04:41:58 PM


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Title: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: tvandy45 on September 02, 2023, 04:41:58 PM
Yesterday was a day I will remember for the rest of my life. I stumbled into this buck by accident in may of 22 when I randomly set a camera in a spot that I thought looked good for elk. I go back and check and this whopper popped up. I put countless hours into finding his pattern, where he was bedded and it was completely sporadic. Finally a month out I thought I had him pegged, but he disappeared three days before the archery opener and popped up for a week in October and then disappeared again. A true ghost of the woods.

After drawing my multi season tag I vowed that it was this buck or no buck. His pattern was more predictable this year and by fate or divine intervention this past weeks rain  made him comfortable enough to show himself in the daylight. I climb into my stand the morning of the opener and he didn’t show…here we go again I thought. As the day wore on and the temperatures cooled a smaller buck walked by with about 30 mins of shooting light left. He feeds along the trail for 5 mins or so and picks his head up, staring off to my right. That has to be him coming in I thought to myself trying to gain my composure. He’s staring in the direction that buck always comes from…10 mins left of light I see “the buck” emerge from the shadows at 15 yards right under my stand. Draw anchor breath fire, I watched the arrow pass through the cavity with a large pop as he crashes down the hill. I gave him 30 mins and let the nerves settle, climbed down from my stand, picked up his blood trail and found him 80 yards away. Shock and awe and more shock..grateful for this amazing animal but filled with remorse as it seems like a chapter in my hunting career came to a close. I’ll most likely never see a buck like this again let alone get an opportunity with my bow.

Im not a score guy and never have been but my taxidermist taped him out and gave me a firm smack on the back. I can follow up to this post for those who are interested in what it was.

Good luck to those chasing these ghosts this year! Enjoy every second of these amazing animals - they sure are special
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: MADMAX on September 02, 2023, 04:50:48 PM
Nice job
Hes a dandy👍👍
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: redi on September 02, 2023, 04:56:28 PM
Wow! Dandy buck congrats
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: wadu1 on September 02, 2023, 04:56:58 PM
WOWzza that is a dandy Blacktail   :tup:
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Born2late on September 02, 2023, 05:01:42 PM
Heck of a buck! Great job. Are you going to have it mounted with the velvet hanging off?
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: ThurstonCokid on September 02, 2023, 05:04:44 PM
Stud buck! Congrats


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Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: JakeLand on September 02, 2023, 05:11:35 PM
Awesome!!! Congratulations and yes a shoulder mount with velvet hanging would be cool
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: LDennis24 on September 02, 2023, 05:29:39 PM
That is a dandy blacktail! Congratulations!
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Boss .300 winmag on September 02, 2023, 05:35:19 PM
Nicely done, easily make P&Y.👍
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: LDennis24 on September 02, 2023, 05:37:05 PM
You forgot dandy, Boss .300 winmag!
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: cjjcb on September 02, 2023, 05:42:00 PM

He’s a keeper!
Great story thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Mfowl on September 02, 2023, 05:47:47 PM
Excellent buck! Congrats!  :drool:
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: RockChuck on September 02, 2023, 07:17:46 PM
The hanging velvet looks cool! Great job!
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: follow maggie on September 02, 2023, 07:24:15 PM
EXCELLENT!!!!!
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Angus on September 02, 2023, 07:54:31 PM
Wow, congrats, awesome buck.
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Fatherof5 on September 02, 2023, 07:55:41 PM
Congratulations!!! Awesome blacktail!
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Dan-o on September 02, 2023, 08:09:08 PM
An absolute monster Blacktail with a bow.......

Amazing. 

Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: borntoslay on September 02, 2023, 08:14:52 PM
Congratulations. Beautiful buck! impressive mass to him. What did your taxi tape him at? I'm gonna say 139. Probably way off


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Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: fowl smacker on September 02, 2023, 08:26:07 PM
Awesome!
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Tenkara on September 02, 2023, 08:36:07 PM
Congratulations on an awesome buck!
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: pd on September 02, 2023, 08:54:39 PM
Wow.  September 2nd, and this throw down happens.  Feeling the heat!

Congratulations, Sir.  Very well done.
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: b0bbyg on September 02, 2023, 09:04:26 PM
Very nice!!!

Thanks for the write up and showing the dedication required with a big blacktail
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Quackwhacker on September 02, 2023, 09:05:32 PM
You definitely earned this beautiful buck. I admire your dedication. Well done! He'll look amazing on your wall.

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Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Twispriver on September 02, 2023, 09:10:55 PM
Most good blacktail hunters will be lucky to ever see a buck of that caliber, much less kill one with a bow. Sincere congratulations to you.  :tup:
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Griiz on September 02, 2023, 09:11:43 PM
Congratulations. Dandy blacktail
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: elksnout on September 02, 2023, 09:12:12 PM
Well done!


elksnout
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: tvandy45 on September 02, 2023, 09:42:15 PM
133 5/8 gross, 131 7/8 net

Like I said I don’t really care about score I know a special buck when I see one but it is cool to have that number as part of the story

Congratulations. Beautiful buck! impressive mass to him. What did your taxi tape him at? I'm gonna say 139. Probably way off


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Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: hunter399 on September 02, 2023, 09:43:59 PM
Congrats 👏
Definitely a good one.
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: millerwheeler on September 02, 2023, 10:04:31 PM
Way to get after it nice job
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: WapitiTalk1 on September 02, 2023, 10:14:19 PM
That’s a keeper, good work.
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: RB on September 02, 2023, 10:27:40 PM
WOW What a Blacktail! Nicely done and thanks for sharing.  :tup:
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Widgeondeke on September 02, 2023, 10:45:32 PM
Thanks for sharing. That is a brute of a blacktail buck
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: boneaddict on September 03, 2023, 07:46:48 AM
Beast!
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Taco280AI on September 03, 2023, 08:51:02 AM
Good work  :tup:
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: highside74 on September 03, 2023, 10:32:21 AM
I mean I guess it's okay if you like giant 4 points with eye guards and knarly bases. :tup: :drool:
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: pianoman9701 on September 03, 2023, 10:33:11 AM
That's a great buck!
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: lewy on September 03, 2023, 04:09:43 PM
Nice bt👍
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: zagsfan1 on September 03, 2023, 04:22:45 PM
Beautiful beast.  Congrats and thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Harbor_hunter on September 03, 2023, 04:54:09 PM
What a hog, nice work!!
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: RobinHoodlum on September 03, 2023, 05:23:43 PM
That's a sweet buck any time of year! Loved your story and glad it worked out for you
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Buckjunkie on September 03, 2023, 06:02:35 PM
Yep, hard to beat that one with a bow. Dandy buck and congratulations!!
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: greenhead_killer on September 03, 2023, 07:05:51 PM
That’s pretty dang awesome! Congrats!
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Birdguy on September 03, 2023, 07:42:00 PM
No wonder he was in the "elk hole"! What a great buck! Congratulations to you. What a great story to tell for so many years as  he hangs in your life some place.
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Gentrys on September 03, 2023, 07:58:53 PM
Very Nice!
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: bearhunter99 on September 03, 2023, 08:07:18 PM
Grats on a whopper!  Dandy looking buck!


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Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: blackveltbowhunter on September 03, 2023, 08:32:28 PM
Awesome buck!! Congratz   :tup:
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Turkeyman on September 04, 2023, 04:50:41 AM
130 to 135 great buck.
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: C-Money on September 04, 2023, 06:10:41 AM
Congratulations on a spectacular buck!!
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: bearpaw on September 04, 2023, 07:05:42 AM
Trophy of many lifetimes right there!  :tup:
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: BA Mongor on September 04, 2023, 08:13:22 AM
Fantastic buck and congratulations on a true trophy!
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: tvandy45 on September 04, 2023, 09:05:29 AM
Right on the money - 133 5/8 gross


130 to 135 great buck.
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: fishngamereaper on September 04, 2023, 09:06:44 AM
Sweet buck :tup:

Downside is.... Now your season is over... :chuckle:
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Sundance on September 04, 2023, 09:14:31 AM
The bonus of being done so early is that you have all the pre/peak/post rut to scout and locate a future target buck. Congrats on a beautiful buck, targeting a mature blacktail pre rut is quite the feat.
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Martinhunter on September 04, 2023, 11:57:32 AM
What an awesome Blacktail! Congrats.
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: 85yota on September 04, 2023, 01:38:33 PM
Motivation for every bt hunter..awesome.. question? How much bigger was he compared to last year?
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Karl Blanchard on September 04, 2023, 02:23:49 PM
Great buck man! Congrats!!
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: OutHouse on September 05, 2023, 09:27:00 AM
I have never even seen a black tail buck that big in person! Great hunt, you deserve it. You might as well retire as champion after a monster like that!
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Jpmiller on September 05, 2023, 10:04:54 AM
The only bummer is he isn't in his fall coat, but I suppose you'll probably be able to get over that lol fantastic buck. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Spuddieselwwu on September 05, 2023, 11:16:32 AM
Dandy buck! Congrats.
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: salmosalar on September 05, 2023, 11:31:49 AM
That's a whopper. Good for you!
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: mms123 on September 05, 2023, 10:35:42 PM
Congrats, thanks for the story. Good reminder that scouting and hard work can pay off big time.
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: 7mmfan on September 06, 2023, 07:48:59 AM
What an awesome buck! Big blacktail like that are the trophy of trophies in my opinion.

Don't give up on killing more big ones though. Once you find a big one, and go through the motions of figuring him out and killing him, you will not only be able to do it again, but it will become an obsession. This is likely just the first of many to come because you won't be satisfied unless you're tracking down the next big one and trying to figure him out.

Once again, great work!
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: HikerHunter on September 06, 2023, 08:09:47 AM
WOW! Awesome buck, congrats!
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Elkpiss on September 06, 2023, 08:24:11 AM
 :kneel:    WOW Thats a doozy..   Congrats man.. Beauty of a blacky
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: tvandy45 on September 06, 2023, 08:32:45 AM
Appreciate all of the kind words everyone! I've been a blacktail hunter my entire life but havent harvested one for 3 or so years and sort of lost interest. I will say the obsession is back and its never leaving again.

Also i'm a terrible picture taker so attached are a few closeups that do him a better justice. i'm still in disbelief, truly a magnificent buck
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Sneaky Squirrel on September 06, 2023, 10:08:22 AM
Congrats on a fine Buck! Love those thick bases.

Also congrats on the Oregon Elk, your having quite the early season! Hopefully you have some more tags in your pocket!
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: 7mmfan on September 06, 2023, 11:24:51 AM
I've been an off an on blacktail hunter for the last decade or so. I've seen two that compared to this buck, didn't kill either of them. Should have! But didn't. I'll leave it at that   :chuckle:

The main reason I say don't discount your ability to kill another big one, is because you showed the patience and discipline to do it the first time, you can and will do it again. The first time I killed a big mule deer, I told myself I'd never kill another one that big, there was just no way. Then the next year I did it again, and then 2 years later I did it again with an even bigger buck. What I learned about myself through some introspection was that my hunting methods and mentality had changed, and I was almost subconsciously putting myself into the areas and situations where I was likely to find a big buck again, as opposed to just killing another deer. You will do the same, it's in your blood now.
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Bendejo on September 06, 2023, 12:40:45 PM
That thing's a hoss
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Deadeyety on September 06, 2023, 01:06:11 PM
What an awesome critter! Congrats!
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: elkoholic1 on September 06, 2023, 02:49:10 PM
 :tup:
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: grundy53 on September 07, 2023, 08:31:44 AM
Awesome buck!

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Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: TeacherMan on September 07, 2023, 10:11:23 AM
That would be a new world record bye a 1/2” if it was a Sitka Blacktail 😂 Definitely a deer for the books!
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: JakeLand on September 07, 2023, 10:16:04 AM
Great blacktail !! Eye guards and cheese grater bases doesn’t get any better … oh ya the mass too
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: h2ofowlr on September 07, 2023, 01:13:59 PM
Definately a nice BT.
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: highhunter on September 11, 2023, 10:41:18 PM
Great Blacktail and definitely post it to the years-long big blacktail thread. It’s a post that deserves to stay alive and your buck is one of the great ones 👍
Title: Re: Big Blacktail Down!!
Post by: Mallardmasher on September 26, 2023, 04:54:31 PM
Love how symmetrical he is, the eye guards are awesome. Shooter all day long. Congrats, now you can spend the rest of the season looking for next years conquest
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