Muzzleloader blacktail cactus buck

[Blsum]

Wish I could say this was a big drawn out story but it really isnt. I didn't have a lot of time to hunt this year. Opening day I took the kids out. We ended the day seeing a total of 19 deer. All does and fawns except for one spike. The kids really wanted me to take the spike. But I told them if we shoot a baby daddy deer we can't shoot a big daddy deer. I decided last night that we should go back out for a little bit just to see what happens. Iwe were slowly driving into the spot I wanted to walk into and had just come into a clear cut. Through a small opening in the grass I thought I spotted a deer looking at us. As we get behind the taller grass I stop and get out to look over the grass. As soon as I put the binos on him I knew actly what he was and that I had to shoot him. I grabbed the gun and tryed to put a cap on but my hands were already starting to shake a little. I attempted to calm my nerves and turned to see him slowly walking away. I waited until he cleared some trees and was quartering away. Off hand shot at about 70 yards. I squeeze the trigger and as the smoke clears I can see legs in the air. The kids are excited that we got one but I was still watching him. He is still trying to get up and I know I have to get down there. I reload as fast as I can and grab my extra speed load. Told the kids to wait at the car and to watch in their binos. I scrambled down the hill and find him trying to get up. I pull the trigger and nothing. Wth. Hammer back and pull again. Nothing. Must be a bad cap. So I pry the cap off the nipple and recap. This time the gun goes off and he's done. The kids are screaming from the road wanting to know how big he was. I told them that I couldn't tell them and that they were going to have to see this to believe it. I was honestly amazed at how big the body of this deer was. Luckily for me another hunter happened to pass by and helped me drag him up to the road. Darren if your on here. Thanks a million. I owe you one for sure.

[Dan-o]

Congrats.

That is some funky head gear.

[JWEBB]

Awesome! Better get a shoulder mount! Won’t kill one that unique again

[elkoholic1]

 

[Boss .300 winmag]

Never seen a blacktail one👍.

[Mfowl]

Congrats on that oddball!

[SeaRun1]

Weird headgear on that guy.  Congratulations on filling your tag.

SR1

[pd]

Thanks for the photo of his outdoor plumbing.  Otherwise, he looks like a bride's maid at a wedding party.

Wonderful story.

[millerwheeler]

So will those  growths on antler pop? Aren't they full of blood . Very curious and hope u can mount it like that good job

[Widgeondeke]

So how many points are long enough to count?
Is it a spike or 30pt? 

Congrats and glad your kids were there with ya 

[teanawayslayer]

Very unique buck Ben. Congrats!

[bearhunter99]

Cool buck!  Congrats!

[Blsum]

Never seen a blacktail one👍.

Neither has the bio I talked to.

So how many points are long enough to count?
Is it a spike or 30pt? 

Congrats and glad your kids were there with ya 

Not even sure. Hes in the freezer right now. Not sure how I want to mount him yet. His coat was gorgeous. I'm really tempted to have him shoulder mounted. But a euro would be pretty neat as well. The kids were stoked. My daughter carried the heart all the way back up the hill.

[Blsum]

Very unique buck Ben. Congrats!

Thanks Heath. He is quite unique for sure. I knew as soon as I saw him what he was and that I couldn't pass him up. My neighbor said my chances of shooting a 140" black tail are probably better then ever seeing another buck like this.

[hntrspud]

Super cool! The kids excitement makes it all the better. Congratulations