I shot this buck this morning with my 15 inch 7mm08 TC Encore. I hunted this spot yesterday from a double ladder stand and had a deer cross an opening but rushed the shot and missed because I couldn't get comfortable. This morning I set up on the ground near the stand with some brush hiding me. About 7:40 I saw this buck nearing the opening and rested the Encore on my tripod. As he stepped into the opening I settled the crosshairs on his chest and squeezed the trigger. At the shot his front legs folded and it sounded like someone slapped a drum. When I got to where he was at I found some hair but no blood so I headed down the hill in the direction he went. Just inside the tree line I found the first blood,about 10 yards farther I found more blood and about 10 yards more there he was. When I went to retrieve him and ranged off from where he was standing to where I was sitting. To my surprise it was 135 yards. To say I was happy is an understatement.

Holy smokes! Heckuva buck and great shot. Congrats!

Well done - Congrats!

Nice buck and great shooting!

That's a goodun'! Congratulations!

NICE!!!!!!!! Very nice deer Okie. What load were you shooting. The 7-08 is a fine round!

GREAT BUCK! Congratulations!

Nice buck! sounds like the 7-08 performed flawlessly. did you recover the bullet or get a pass thru?

Great Buck,,, Well Done.

Beautiful buck!
Getting a steady field rest can be challenging at times

Okie, that?s a once in a lifetime buck! Congrats!

Thanks for the support guys. This season I decided to leave the long guns at home and only carry my handguns. I had my Encore and my stainless SBH for shorter distances. Most people told me I was crazy and some even ridiculed me. As the end of season got closer I stuck to it and it paid off. (Thank you Lord.) Yesterday was my last day of vacation and I have to go back to work today.
Junebug, I'm using a 140 grain NBT and H-380 powder.
Dave Thomas, the bullet hit in the armpit, through his heart, shattered the opposite leg, and turned downward. The jacket of the bullet was found there.

Way to hang in there. Sometimes it does tests your resolve, but it will makes you a better more confidant hunter in the end. There's nothing like success to quiet the nay sayers!!!!!!!!!!

That is a great buck and a great shot.

Nice job on a great buck.

Awesome deer , congratulations on a fine trophy and a nice shot!

Well done! Stud of a buck.

Awesome buck!

Reflex264, thanks for getting the picture cleared up. I took this picture right where I found him.

Okie, sounds like it did everything it needed to. what load were you shooting?

Dave, I'm using a 140 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip and H-380 powder. It happened so fast I never got a chance to turn the magnification up on the scope. Shot him on 2 power.

thanks

Sweet!!!! Congrats on a Great buck!

Great buck