It was a clear,cold start to the day as I settled in 20 feet up in the big oak stand.
While it was certainly chilly, I never had time to feel it.
Shortly after 7, I hear a branch break and here comes a doe with a huge buck on her tail.
They angled away from me at 30 yards as I nervously fumbled in my vest for my range finder. When I managed to range him the doe was out of sight, and he was at 38 yards.
Before I could shoot, he walked off to the doe.
Opportunity Blown!
I grabbed my grunt call and gave 2 grunts. Not expectedly, here he comes!
Unfortunately, he came straight to my tree and as he got 15 feet below me I drew and shot him.
He moved off at a fast walk and stood there. He then slowly walked down the hill and stood there for 10 minutes. He then started getting jello legs and bedded down 50 yards from me.
I was forced to watch him, and wish and will him to expire, but he fought it hard.
He was almost out when all of a sudden 2 coyotes came along and started trying to eat him! The buck was mortally wounded and couldn't get up to run and the yotes knew it.
Thankfully I yelled and whistled and they ran off.
Knowing he couldn't get up I climbed down and stalked in for a 20 yard finishing shot to the heart.
This was a huge bodied animal, well over 200 lbs on the hoof and his rack sported heavy mass, palmation and 9 scorable points.
Huge thanks to my brothers Greg S and Attsakeeper Eric for helping to drag and hang this beast.
What an amazing hunt and to share it with great friends makes it all the sweeter!