I've been deer hunting since 1996. Like many, I shot a little 5 point yearling on the first day out and I was hooked. Since then I have shot either does, or deer that I thought were does. Last year I had had enough and decided it was a nice buck or nothing. Last year, it was nothing.

This year, I found a location on the property that I hunting in Martin county, that had more buck sign on it than the rest of the property. I put a new stand up 20 feet and hunted it several times.

The last weekend of bow season, I had the privilege of seeing a buck and doe breed. I will never forget the look of pursuit on the buck as he ran full speed behind the doe with his nose two inches above ground.

I decided to add a couple of vacation days to the end of opening weekend. On Monday at 12:25, I looked up and there was an eight pointer standing 30 yards broadside. I wanted to shoot a deer that was 2 1/2 or older. This guy was nice, but I'm just not experienced enough to judge quickly and he was walking and looked like he would bolt away at any moment. Finally he looked at the base of my stand and he looked outside of his ears. I put one shot in the boiler room and got both lungs. He ran about 60 yards and from my stand, I saw him fall.

He is now at the taxidermist and we have been enjoying the meat since. Seventeen years in the making, finally paid off.

2013 Buck Photo

2013 Buck Photo Album

Congrats!

Congrats!

I've probably put more hours in with a bow than I have in 15 years... oh Ive had shots At lesser bucks and does and I could have taken a dandy with the muzzy I just bow hunted since I missed most of last season really... its been a slow year but its not over just yet.. I've enjoyed every minute of it.... congrats again!

Way to hang in there. Congrats.

Very good.

Way to tough it out! Great looking buck!
I can relate very well to your story. Growing up, my family spent a lot of time outdoors, camping, hiking and fishing, but nobody went hunting. Somehow, I have always had the desire to hunt inside of me. I had to learn everything in my early years by trial and error (mostly error!) From the first time I ever went deer hunting, it took 4 straight seasons before I ever even seen a deer, and 2 more before I was blessed with a deer harvest. Patience is the best tool in my "tool bag" by far.
Thanks for sharing!

Congrats

Great buck!

Every time I've killed a buck over the last ten years I always think back to the days when my best friends dad got me into hunting. my dad never hunted so I spent most of my weekends in the fall with my friends family hunting in Eastern Kentucky (which I miss a lot) anyways all I wanted to see was a buck and even a spike made my day. I hunted 7yrs before harvesting my first buck with a bow and it was just that a spike. I actually think growing up hunting and all the errors I made and learned from have paid off for what I know now. Or at least think I know! That spike I killed way back then actually made me happier then any other deer I've killed. I was on cloud 9 and no one could take that from me. I still smile when I think about that buck.

I hope this deer lives with you for a long time. Nothing better then just kicking back remembering hunts you've had.

Thanks for all the great comments and great stories!

Jack

That's a nice buck Jack! Many of us are practicing QDM today, "let them walk so they can grow". I would say that a guy who has waited for over ten years deserves a buck like you chose to take. While we don't have a jaw bone to look at, I would say you did not kill a 1 1/2 year old buck, he is more than likely a 2 1/2 year old.... a mature buck.

We get the opportunity to hunt for an EXTREMELY long season here in Indiana, each of us choose when we end our quest for a deer carrying antlers. You and "you" alone made that decision. Now you can set a NEW standard for your next buck.This is an ongoing process........

Never pass on the first day what you would shoot on the last day! You did not.......

Quick story.......... My son Tony shot and missed an 8 point this year in early archery season. I asked him why he shot when we had so many bigger 10 points running around, he passed that same buck 6 times before gun season. He said he hoped he didn't regret it later, work has limited his time in the woods. A couple weeks ago he had the opportunity to shoot a 8 point with double drop tines, we had this buck on camera several times. He let the buck walk at 35 yards on opening weekend of muzzy season, said he made it this long he gets a pass, deer would score in mid 130's. Tony made a decision, he will not take a buck this year. What he has done is given a couple of bucks a 100% better chance to make it one more year.

Your dedication to QDM will pay off in the future!

Very cool story. It took me 16 years to put down my first good buck. It was a long wait, but well worth it.

AWESOME... is that a CVA Accura ?

Great job

Nice buck, looks like a 2.5 year old deer to me.

Congrats!!

Uncle Bucky,

You are close. CVA Optima with a Leupold VariX II 3-9X40 on top.

It has taken many deer with a 295 grain bullet and 100 grains of Pyrodex.

Great job, congrats!

Thanks again to all. Joe, you have been a good guide for many years. Your comments and guidance is much appreciated.