Wow, that's one heck of a history you had with him. It's unfortunate it didn't end with you holding those antlers, but it doesn't always go they way we want it, huh? At least you were able to get some closure as to where you hit him before.
Good stuff Steve. Wow, he was in very poor shape for sure. I wonder if he'd have even made it through the winter. Great having those encounters...an awesome story, regardless of the ending. At least you do have closure, and aren't wondering and hunting for him after he's been killed. Good luck bud, now go get on one of those others you've been passing up!
That was my 1st thought too Mike on whether he would've made It through the winter or not. As for them other bucks I let go, they'll all get the pass In hopes there better next year as 4.5's. Thanks Mike!! Good luck to yourself as well!!
Well unfotunately you didnt shoot him, but if I were you, I'd be pretty dang proud of my scouting and hunting skills as 99% of hunters never ever have that many encounters with the same buck, be it young or old. I'd be damn proud of myslef.
Bummer Steve I feel for ya!!! But you know what you had seen 3 other mature bucks this year while going after him,time to start a new story!!
Bummer Steve, been there before myself. He was a heck of a deer and I sure enjoyed your quest for him, I know how much you wanted that deer. Like Walt said, time to start a new story.
Sounds like its timeto get the ice auger out ad put the ol recurve back inthe closet. To dang blustery out there any way. Pick up the pieces, get some wheels on that bow and go get em next year.
I was really hoping that story was going to end different. I remember following your stories of the buck last fall. It stings, but it's part of the game I guess. A neighbor killed a buck in '08, that I had seen 4 different times that year, and the year before. It scored around 170", if I remember correctly. I walked into my cousin's taxidermy shop, and knew the buck right away when I saw him hanging there.
Steve I saw this thread, and before I opened it, I said out-loud "I hope Schultzy got him"... Sorry man, that really sucks. I've been waiting for you to put this guy down. Wish it would have been you.
Steve, I was really hoping to see you sitting behind that buck. You worked very hard for him and did everything right a couple of times over. That's the way it goes though and it is a credit to you for you to handle it the way you did. You'll always have the memories of those encounters and know that you were a couple of 1/8s of an inch of steel from taking him yourself. Great story brother.
Sorry to hear Steve.. great buck he was. But.. at least you know what happened to him. I hear you on the rutting bucks loosing weight... seen it lots of times. Justin shot a buck last year I bet wouldn't go 140... I'm sure most that weight was lost chasing tail. The buck I shot this season lost quite a few pounds too... you can see it in the trailcam pic versus his cameo roll on Bowhunt or Die episode 7.
Man, I am so sorry to hear this. It was a great read and I really believe that you should be proud of all the work you did and the mystery that you shared with this beautiful animal. I really admire your hunger and self control that you have shown on this deer over the time that you "knew" him. No doubt you will be rewarded in another way. Sal
Steveo ... man .. that stinks that YOU didn't close the chapter on that bad boy! Thanks for the post tho ... great read ...
Thanks everyone for the very nice comments!! Much appreciated!! It was a great ride with this buck. Just thought I'd share the ending with you all as I know some of you had some Interest In It. When I 1st saw this buck this year I thought I'd keep the news to myself Instead of talking about It like I did last year and hope maybe that would work. Lol, It didn't. Oh well I guess. That's why we call this hunting and not getting.
