After a bunch of hogs, a few does and a lot of paper over the past few years I finally connected with a buck on Saturday.

I'm still waiting on the company to make right on the scope rings for my .460 so I put the 7mm-08 back on. This barrel shoots great but I was really looking forward to the .460 so it was a little bittersweet.

I had been hearing about a mature 6 point that some members had seen chasing does and one guy had on trail camera. I had yet to get a peek at him and was beginning to wonder if the deer was one of legend alone. It has been said we exaggerate while telling hunting stories. I got to the stand early enough but forgot ammo. A trip back to the truck, few choice words (ok, a lot) and return trip got me in right about daylight. I had laid a scent line on my first trip in so I sat back, poured coffee and cooled down. Literally. It was 25* with a heavy frost and near dead calm wind. A perfect morning.

Two young bucks, a doe and her fawn all showed around 9:45. They each found my scent line and while the doe didn't like it, the young boys were interested but noticeably cautious. Thirty minutes later a shooter came out into the food plot within feet of where the others had, about 175 yards to the south. He hit my scent line and as fast as he appeared, jumped back into the timber. Within seconds this deer had covered the distance to me and was just across from my stand, slightly quartering to me. He was peeking out of the brush like the mature guys do and I had a clear shot. I quickly thanked God then sent a 140gr. Accutip through his shoulder/neck crease. The bullet penetrated 24+" and came to rest just under the hide to the rear of his ribs where I later recovered an exceptionally expanded projectile. His heart was destroyed and he piled up within 30 yards of the shot and 20 yards of my stand. I only had to drag him 15' to the ATV trail.

When I got to him I not only laid hands on my trophy but also on the old 6 that the guys had been telling me about. While he won't score high, he is a sure 'nuff trophy for me. He sports a 16.5" inside spread with 21.75" and 22.25" main beams and a jaw bone that I'm guessing at 6.5 years.

The best part is that today, while taking my oldest daughter to the same stand, we saw a buck chasing does that would make this deer look like a toddler! More of that story to come...hopefully.

Good job! Got any pictures of him?

Huge congrats. All handgun deer are trophies! Look forward to some pics. reflex264

Congratulations.

Great story. Congratulations, and keep an eye on that other buck!

X2!

My phone went dead but I had my game camera. Ever tried to take an accurate picture with a game camera? Well, I need practice. Have a few of his head and rack post meat pole. When I get the picture posting cyphered out I'll add him.

Thanks for the atta-boys. I'm still smiling.

Actually, I have. Didn't quite work out the way I'd imagined.

Finally got a couple of pictures uploaded to the members gallery.

And here they are:





Very nice work, JB. Congratulations.

I was fortunate enough to pick up a encore in 7-08 yesterday. I was wondering how the recoil is and what powder and bullet combination you use?

Thanks,
Thad

Thad,
message sent. You'll love it.