LAST EDITED ON Nov-25-08 AT 08:46PM (MST)[p]Thanks guys!
Here's the short version....
Buddy in 2nd pic found the buck...can't take credit for that. He came close but couldn't close the deal prior.
We went in hoping to setup on the buck where he had been coming out, but we got into the area a little late. The deer have been moving real early in this area. At around 230pm there were does and small bucks already feeding in the open. Too many eyes to be out that early for our likes.
Sure enough..20 mins later..the buck appeared on the same knoll he had been seen on previous...but he had us pinned down. He was with 2 does and was not going to leave their side. We waited till the does feed off the side of the knoll and then took off after the buck. I stayed mid mnt. and my bud went to the top. They would feed off the top and then come right back up. The buck had a wicked vantage point to overlook in all directions. They feed off the top..came back...bedded down..feed off again..back up..over and over for 2hrs. During this time we kept creeping in on the deer every chance we could.
It took forever...but I finally closed to 90 yards. Problem was the does and the buck knew something was up in my direction, but not sure exactly what I was and there was nothing between me and them.
Probably sat there for 30 mins., when finally a little two point came up from the bottom and walked 50 yards from my position. I figured the little buck was either going to bug out at seeing me and blow my stalk or hopefully draw the big buck to him.
The rut took over and the big buck came struting over to the little guy...ears pinned back and ready to kick some butt. This brought the big buck on a path in front of me 54yrds away. I pulled back...put the 50yrd pin level with his back and let it fly.
SMACK...buck jumped and took off. Short hike over and the red tell tale sign was all we needed. Went about 80 yards straight down hill and piled up.
Stalk worked great and big help/luck with the 2 point pulling the big buck close enough for a shot.
Paul Pennie has the cape. Can't wait to get it back!
We've been putting our time in on the front and it finally paid out. We had seen quite a few good bucks early season, but lately it has been real tough.
Good luck there's a few more days!