LBD! Little Bird down. Opening weekend I was about to head out turkey hunting when a friend asked me if I wanted to hike the Grand Canyon (Rim to Rim). I have been wanting to do this for awhile and figured it would help boost me into shape for the upcoming elk season so I changed my plans and headed to the grand canyon. We did the 19 plus mile hike in 6 in half hours and it was a great time. I couldnt walk for a week but it felt great to get out and challenge myself. The 2nd week my hunt closes and another group of hunters start there hunt in the unit. I couldnt wait to get out and hunt some birds. My plans were to go the following weekend and to my suprise I was unable too due to my wifes new job she took. So with the last weekend of the hunt coming up I finally made it out. I got the tag this year in my old stomping grounds and figured I shouldnt have a problem at getting a bird. I made the trip with my little nephew who expressed interest in hunting so I told him to come with. We headed up thursday evening and started our hunt friday morning. I knew it was going to be harder then I thought since the birds have been hunted 20 plus days already and in the area I hunt they are usually done with there rut activity before opening day starts. Friday morning we made it out. We called all morning and never heard a peep. We checked some of the water holes where Ive seen them and there were some tracks on 2 of the water holes so I decided we would sit in a blind for the evening and try and get our chance at one. Sitting in the blind didnt last to long as my nephew has A D D and couldnt stand still and not talk. After he fell out of his chair and went tumbling down the mountain with the blind wrapped around him I decided we should try something different. We drove to another area to call. We hiked in about a mile and let a call out. Finally a turkey responsed back but it was a hen. After sitting there for awhile and working our way in we noticed it was a single hen and no toms were in site. That evening my dad and my other nephew showed up. We developed our stragedys that evening. Day 2 My dad and nephew headed to a place where we have taken some birds before and I decided to check out a place that usually gets no pressure. I have spent very little time in this area and never hunted it but have seen birds in this area in the past. As we hiked in my nephew asked if he could try the call. I said sure, and just as he finshed we had a group of toms answer back quickly and they were close. I snuck in quietly until I saw them. I turned back to my nephew to show him the birds when all of a sudden he says, "Uncle Ronnie there they are shoot one". Well the birds heard him loud and clear and they took off quick. The first 3 birds were good size Toms and the back one was a small Jake. The first 2 birds were gone very quick, I focused in on the 3rd one back and right when the bird steps in the open my nephew falls into the back of me and I miss my oppurtunity. My last chance is the small Jake in the back and I take aim as he walks into the opening and Bam I drop him in his tracks. My nephew was so excited. He ran over there and picked it up and about passed out with he realized the bird was still alive and started hitting him with his wings. This bird had an amazing 2" beard and was the smallest bird Ive ever shot on the spring hunt. We had a great time and I was glad to be able to take my nephew out and let him enjoy the experience. Picture of our Little Bird!

The Break Up Buck 2011

Story from the Hunter:

I was fortunate enough to draw a 2011 Arizona December Coues Rifle tag at the suggestion of a good friend. Of course when the time came to hunt everyone that said they would help all of a sudden got too busy.

Through a mutual friend (hunting networks are awesome) I got in touch with Jay Lopeman of Mossback Arizona. He said come on down the day after Christmas and he would point me in the right direction. Within an hour of meeting Jay and two of his hunting buddies (Ronnie Michael / Aka: Cowboy Outfitters) from RutNHard.net and (Heart-break Collin Steiner) we were watching a buck that we guessed was 98" or so.

I was only 250 yards away. I had never killed a Coues before and I knew it was a big one, but I wanted to hunt just as bad as I wanted to kill. We got some great video and I opted to pass. The boys figured we could find him again as he was with a doe in heat. We spent the next 2 days looking at a lot of deer (@10 bucks per day) but didn't see anything bigger. We started to second guess our first hour decision as we watched the video and thought he might be closer to 105". We went out on morning #4 to a spot were Collin and Ronnie had previously scouted. Collin had recently went exploring one day to this area to take his mind off a relationship he was in. Well thats where the "Heart Break Buck" got his name. Collin agreed to let me hunt him and I was thankful.

Pictures Collin was able to take during that day scouting.

The pictures werent good enough to tell exactly what he was so we wanted to get a better look at him with the idea that we would go kill that first buck in the afternoon if the "Heart-break" buck didn't show himself. Jay and I hiked up to a mountain ridge where we could make the shot if the "Break Up Buck" showed himself as he previously had. Ronnie and Collin with there Big Eyes stayed back and glassed. 15 minutes into first light Ronnie had found does and shortly after Collin had glassed up the "Break Up Buck" that was pushing the does.Even as rookie as I am, I could see this buck was a shooter. We got into position at 349 yards and put the Gunwerks 7mm on the Triclawps and made short order of the buck. We had 2 cameras rolling and the shot was perfect (due to the gun not the shooter). As you can see from the pictures, I couldn't wipe the smile of my face. I was fortunate to have some great help on this hunt. It is a type of hunting that I was not used to. I don't know if I would call those coues deer addicting, but I know I will hunt them every year from now on.... This buck taped out 109 4/8....

Archery Lion Down! A Hunt to Remember!

Since I have been a little kid I have had a dream to hopefully get the chance one day to hunt and harvest the majestic Mt Lion. Well this past week I was able to fulfill that dream and it was everything I could have imagined and much more, I never would have imagined!

It all started with a call from a good friend Joe Mitchell, He runs dogs as a hobby and has been doing it for many years. He called me Saturday night and said he and his friend Tim were going to head up to the Kiabab and if I wanted to meet them up there we could go try to cut a track. He had high hopes as the fresh snow just fell. They were both bringing their dogs so it should be a good time. Well this worked out great because Ronnie and I had plans to leave for the the strip Sunday morning. I told Joe Heck ya man tell me where and when!!

Sunday morning I get a call from Joe saying Get your A$$ here quick we just cut a good track. We kicked it in high gear and the adrenalin was already flowing!! Shortly after we arrived at our meeting point and off we went. We got to the track and Joe put the dogs on it and they were at work quick!

About 12 miles later we were still chasing this same lion. He would not tree and continued to backtrack and loop back on his own tracks. After a long run with this smart cat, they called the dogs off as they were exhausted and needed to rest up. We started the long hike back out and I then started to realize this is not going to be an easy task.

There was another storm on the radar to be moving in and Joe said its gonna look promising tomorrow with lots of fresh snow. So we decided to stay another morning and hunt. Monday morning we awoke to nearly 12"+ of snow and it was still snowing as we were loading up.

It ended up snowing almost all day and we didnt cut any tracks at all but we covered alot of cool country and seen some great bucks! We got back to the hotel that evening and realized we were pretty much stuck there due to all the snow.

So we decided to stay and hunt lions. The storm cleared out and we were off at it again Tues. morning. We got out early and were lucky enough to cut a track right away. Joe said the track looked to be a several hours old, but lets give it a try. We got our packs and snow gear on, and they got the dogs on the track. The dogs hit the track good and were off to the races.

Ronnie and I hiked in right behind Joe and after about 2 miles the lion backtracked on its tracks and the dogs lost the trail. The dogs came running back past ronnie and I and were gone in the blink of an eye. I thought it was over with this lion, like the last. It was quite impressive to see these dogs work the track. About 30 minutes later we catch up to Joe and he says I can hear the dogs down in this canyon north of us, sounds like they looped back around.

We stayed there and listened as Joe walked out to the edge on this canyon. Joe came running back and yelled "I think they have it bade (sp) up on this rock bluff below us". Joe dropped off the side to go check it out. Ronnie and I made it to the edge of the canyon and we could hear the dogs going crazy! As we started working our way down the side of this nasty snow covered canyon, Joe yells!! "Hurry, Hurry They have it caught up in a cave! My heart instantly began to race!!! Well Joe was only about 200 yards below us but Its straight down the side of snow covered bluff/rock hillside. After about 20minutes later ronnie and I finally were able to navigate our way to the lion. That was after many tumbles and near falling off a 20ft cliff.

We get to the where the lion is my heart was beating out of my chest the dogs were surrounding a cut on the topside of a bluff. They were going absolutley crazy and the dogs were nearly falling into the hole. As I got to the cave, I realized Holy Hell, this is real!! I am face to face with this beast and less then 10 yards away. The only shot the lion was giving me was a head shot, which I didnt want to take unless I absolutley had too. Joe found another very small entrance into the cut and was moving the snow away to
see if I had a better shot from that side. Snow was falling in and I could see the lion starting to move a little,..... Well what happened next is probably gonna leave a lifetime stain in all our britches!

The lion decided it was time to leave, and started out the exit like a bat outta hell right for Ronnie and I. I was thinking to myself ahhhh hell! Then the cat turned and jumped out of the hole Joe was sticking his head in. Lets just say, that Lion missed Joe by less then a foot as it came barreling out of the cave. Joe flew back into the side of rock bluff and the lion pounced out right past us. We all were in complete shock what just happend. Probably the most intense heart pounding thing I have every experienced.

The dogs were quick to get back on the lion and chased it all the way down into the canyon and nearly halfway up the other side where they were able to tree it. It took us another hour just to make that final trek. We were finally getting close enough to actually see the lion in the tree and I was almost completley exhausted. At this point we have covered nearly 5 miles on foot and in nearly 12" of snow covered rough country! Not to mention half of that was running.

We were now about 50 yard from the lion, I shed off the jackets and Joe and I snuck in as ronnie followed with the video camera. As we worked around a big cedar tree we were now in the lions site. I will never ever forget that look in that lions eyes. Scary to say the least! I was now about 20 yards for the cat. There was a branch real close to its vitals and I only had a small window to slip an arrow by. Joe asked if I could make the shot. I said I think so! I drew my bow, took a deep breath and let it fly. The lion jumped straight up in the air , Perfect shot right through the heart! It turned and looked as if was going to run down the tree so Joe told me to stick another one through it. I
put another one through the lungs to finish it off. Game Over!

I remember getting a second wind of air right after it was all over. I went from being exhausted/energized... Definelty a huge adrenalin rush. As I walked up to the lion there was a lot emotions and alot going through my mind. We took lots of pics, got the lion gutted and started our very long pack out. HUGE, HUGE thanks to Ronnie and Joe for all the help packing this beast out.

I have always thought that hunting with a houndsman would be easy and never thought I would actually ever go out and experience it.The experience that I went through on this hunt is something I will never forget and Is hard to explain it to the fullest. It was the most physical demanding hunt I have ever been through. Having to push yourself to go on takes alot. I have really learned what the human body can do if you believe in yourself and push yourself. This harvest and far beyond is the most rewarding hunt I have done. It will be hard to top this one. I would not take back a single step or moment.


Great memories, Great family/friends, Great lion, Great success!


Big Thanks to Joe and Tim for making this all happen for me. Their knowledge about lions and hounds is amazing! Never have seen anything like it!

Special thanks to Ronnie for all his help, especially packing it out! No way I could have done it without you. Great hunting partners are hard to find, good thing I got one!

Sorry for the long read, tried to cut it down but it was to hard with this one!

Check out the exciting video of the complete hunt at the link below:

Short Hunt Buck!

Short Hunt Buck!

Opening morning found me in California hunting for something a little different, a championship of the SNORE 2011 OFF Road Series. We finished the 250 mile race in 4th place. I couldn’t get the truck loaded up quick enough to get back home and get in the hills for the last few days of the hunt.

One day of work Monday and a half day Tuesday and CowBoy and I were heading to the hills. We got to camp and all agreed we were going to purse a 100 inch plus buck because I have a few 90 inch plus bucks on the wall. We met up with Kevin (my brother/ AZhunter) and we got to our spot with about 30 minutes of light left. After about 5 Minutes of glassing Kevin located a big buck and before I knew it we were jumping over rocks and heading down a steep hill trying to get to the buck in time. After a quick run we got to the area where the buck was and he just dropped down the backside of the very thick ridge just as we were setting up to take the shot at a good 100” class buck as darkness set in we had to call it a night.

Tuesday Night we were surprise to see our good ole friend Flat billin/Cowboy “Big D”.

Wednesday Morning found us all at the same ridge looking for the same buck and he didn’t make his appointment. We spent the rest of the morning checking other country and we seen some nice deer but no shooter bucks. Wednesday Evening a Hurricane decided to roll in and dang near blew us right the off the mountain. Big d held us all down. Thanks goodness for Big D.

After the big storm Wednesday evening we had a good feeling that that Thursday morning was going to be promising.

Thursday morning the stars started aligning quickly and we were having a flash back of a previous hunt from the prior year. After a hour long drive down a pumpkin smashing, head bashing, transmission thrashing road I was wishing I would of brought the off road truck. Lol. After we got to our spot we had an hour long hike up one of the steepest hills I’ve ever seen. We finally got to our glassing point and the work was just beginning to start. We weren’t having much luck glassing anything up and had only seen one yote. As we were starting to move to a new spot on the hill we heard the words we wanted to here, Big D said, “Hey Ron I think I have a deer”. He was trying to explain to me where these deer were and they had to be 2 plus miles and he glassed them up with his 10x42 Nikon Monarchs. I called Kevin over to take a closer look and Kevin said, Big D if that’s a deer that has to be the best ninja glass I’d ever seen. After a few seconds Kevin had them in his glass and said Ronnie bring the Kowas. A quick look through the Kowas not only confirmed they were a deer but 3 Big Bucks. We instantly knew there were two shooters for sure.

Kevin and I were off to the races back down and up another nasty hill. Ronnie and Big D stayed on the glass to keep the bucks in site. We finally got to the shooting point we picked out previously after about a 2 hour hike. We set up to glass to relocate them. The terrain was very hard to relocate the area where we had last seen them. Being later in the morning we knew they would be bedding down soon so we were hoping to find them before hand. After 45 minutes of glassing we finally picked up the smaller buck as he feed into a small opening. Shortly behind him was one of the big bucks. I quickly setup for the shot as Kevin ranged them at 249 yards.
I put the 7 Mag on the mark and let it do the work. The rest was history. I was glad to finally put down my 102 2/8 Coues Buck.
I couldn’t have done it without the A-Team. AZhunter (Kevin Michael), Big D, and Cowboy Outfitters (Ronnie Michael). Thanks for helping me have a dream come true.

My Bear Hunt 2011

Growing up I remember setting in the driveway watching my dad driving off to go bear hunting. It seemed like every month he was driving back with another bear that he or a friend or someone he was helping took down.

I grew up in a house full of mounts including 3 bear mounts. My dad had 2 full size bear mounts and 1 rug and 2 of them are top in the books. Ever since then I've wanted to kill a bear. I've been on a few bear hunts with friends but for some reason or not we have only been able to close the deal one time. This year I gave myself a goal of getting a coues deer, bear, lion and a elk. With a coues deer down it was time to focus in on getting a bear.

I started my hunting in the desert and after a few days of seeing nothing but coues deer I joined a friend and we finally glassed up a bear. I was stoked and thought its was gonna be a done deal. We loaded up our packs and pretty much ran up the mountain.The hike was straight up a mountain and when we got to the spot where we thought we would have a good vantage point to shoot from we realized there was a smaller hidden hill and we still had a ways to hike. With the sky starting to darken we knew we were out of time. We sat back and tried to varmit call him in but we had no luck. Its always fun hiking out of the woods when its dark and you just tried to varmit call a giant bear in that you just saw near the area. lol.

Donnie Randall from Randall and Sons Guide Service said come on up to Strawberry and we would go out and get a bear. Even though I really wanted to get this bear by spotting and stalking I realized I was running out of time and the hunt could possibly close soon. So off to Strawberry I went. The first outing Donnie took a dirt road and dropped the first dog off and Im telling you just as soon as he put the dog on the ground it was a hit. Next thing I knew we were unloading all the dogs and the race was on. After 3 units and many miles on the feet the bear got away.

Our second outing out I felt good that we would get it done. We started the morning waking up and heading to the hills at 330am. After almost hitting a cow elk on the highway we finally got to the spot and we made a game plan.We decided we would circle this mountain with his hounds and try to catch a scent. After about 30 minutes the dogs caught a good scent and they were off to the races. This bear wasnt gonna go out easy and he pulled out all the tricks to get away but the hounds outsmarted him today. After a long hard hike we got to the spot where the dogs had the boar treed. The dogs were barking so loud I was almost getting dizzy.lol.

Video of this part Coming Soon!

I was just catching my breath when I saw the bear at the top of a very large tree. I tried to control my breathing as I drew an arrow from my quiver. We discussed the yardage and its a good thing because I didnt have my "BUSHNELL SCOUT 1000 with the Arc technology!lol

I pulled my Hoyt Carbon Element back and sat my 20 yard pin right at the bears vitals. I took a deep breath and released. Whack it looked like a perfect shot. I thought the bear would drop but he didnt. He decided to go up the tree higher. Worrying that I would have to climb this tree and get this bear out I hurried another shot as he moved up the tree. The arrow hit a branch and I missed the shot. I then moved around to get another shot off. This shot was a bit further but I felt confident I could make it. I let the arrow fly as the bear moved and it hit a little back but it did the job as moments later the bear tumbled to the ground. I was happy that I finally had a bear. We took some pictures and chopped him up and packed him out.

Thanks to the guy that let me use the cowboy hat for the picture so I could represent "CowBoy Outfitters" lol.

I was so amazed on how these dogs worked and what such a great respect I have earned for Houndsmen. Donnie was like a little "Cameron Hanes" out there hiking the hills and had no problem staying up with the dogs the whole time. I wish I could say the same for me. Lol. Thanks to Donnie Randall and his friends who helped out. It was allot of work but it all came together thanks to those Hounds and Donnie. I was very happy with the experience and the memory. Now the quest starts for the elk. I just purchased the over the counter elk tag and hoping that my luck continues.

If anyone is interested in a bear or lion hunt please support our newest sponsor " Donny Randall and Sons Guide Service. I assure you he is the best in the business and you will not be disappointed.

Here is the video of the complete hunt. Enjoy!

Persistance Pays!!!

I arrived in Williams to some rainy weather on Monday prior to the hunt to get some scouting in. I was afraid to get the camper stuck so I parked and set up camp in the National Forest there to scout the road conditions prior to dragging the tow hauler into a situation that would leave me stuck on the side of the road. My intuition paid off as the roads were pretty trashed and still needed a day or so to dry out.

After checking my cameras and seeing some good bulls,

I was positive that that opening day would be hot…… Boy was I wrong!

When Ronnie arrived a couple of days later, it was go time. We glassed up a great 6x7 370 plus bull the day before opener and they were bugling well too. Lots of 340’s in the mix as well. On our way in to check that bull at first light, we were into bugles and got 30 yards from another great bull, but he wouldn’t show himself enough to determine his bone size. A truck ended up spoiling that moment so we pressed on. Day after day, we pressed on through the rain and mud only to be greeted with very few bugles and zero rut activity. Ronnie kept me positive by continuing to say “Persistence Pays” and not to worry because “you’re going to kill a good bull Bravo, I guarantee it”.

We had the good fortune of meeting a guy a few camps down from us that had been into bugles and almost had a shot at a monster bull we later dubbed “Bucket”. Shawn was gracious enough to let us join him in the area he had located these elk and said they were bugling in the mornings. After chasing some bulls with him and locating Bucket again, we kept at it. Shawn and I both passed a shot at a 330 class bull that had great tops but short thirds and a short G2. Thanks Ronnie for telling me to pass this bull!



As the hunt progressed the pressure started to set in as I had passed on a chance at a 360 class bull earlier in the hunt and also on the 330 class bull. Ronnie and I refocused our efforts with RNH member GMARC who was camped about 30 min north of us on a growler we located at night via the bugle-locate method. Luck would have it; we were right on him at first light. First, I gotta tell you what a bro GMARC is for stepping back and working that soft cow mew he does to get the bulls going. The bull came straight in and busted him and moved off, but Ronnie and I were hot on his trail. I had the bull facing me at 38 yards in some really thick stuff and couldn’t get a look at his horns or weave an arrow through the branches when he turned broadside so I elected to hold off. He moved back to his bed and that was it.

That afternoon we decided to move to a waterhole out in antelope country just north-west of where we had been hunting to check a spot Ronnie and I had located some good bugling action a few days prior. “This was it, these bulls had to hit water and they were up early”, I thought. Just as we set the blind up, a call came in over the radio with a frantic Cowboy Outfitters saying “Get in the blind you have a big bull coming in”. Jumping in the blind in a fury of ripping windows open and adjusting chairs, we waited……. No more than 8 minutes passed when the bull came in on the opposite side of where I could shoot. After a frantic readjustment, I was on my knees waiting for my opportunity to present itself. The bull drank for what seemed like an eternity as GMARC rattled off a checklist of things to do to ensure success; my only reply was “yup” to all of his checks. I was in the zone. The bull finally turned broadside and began splashing the mud and water all over as I came to full draw. I split my 30 and 40 yard pins for the 34 yard range the GMARC had given and waited. The bull stopped splashing and stuck his horns in the mud and I released my arrow. THWACK, SMASH, CLANK is all I heard as the bull lifted his head to the sound. I asked, “Did I miss?” GMARC said, “No bro, you hit him, I heard the whack”. The bull quickly stepped out of the water and stood for a moment before flinching and trotting off and we saw the blood spot materialize tight behind the shoulder. “You smoked him Bravo, you smoked him!” GMARC said excitedly and began roughing me up! All I could say is, was it a good hit? I was still in shock of how it went down and didn’t really know what was coming out of my mouth at that point. I was so in the zone in crunch time I didn’t get the fever or even bother looking at the horns. The only thing I noticed when I was at full draw was the tips of his 5th and 6th points. GMARC asked me how big you think he was and my only reply was “320 maybe”. He said “no bro, way bigger”. GMARC quickly got on the radio to Ronnie to see if he saw the bull go down and his reply was, “he went down to the water somewhere around there, has he not come in yet?” “No bro, Bravo smoked him did you see him go down?” Ronnie flipped and came running down to greet us. When Ronnie arrived onsite, I ran to grab my arrow to see the damage……NO BLOOD!! OH NO!!!! I started to trip out as Ronnie filmed the events. As we crested a rise in the hill, I saw antlers 40 yards out and took off in a sprint. I couldn’t believe how big the horns got as I approached. What a great bull!!
I could have never imagined my first tag would have landed me such a great trophy. This really was a dream come true and the hunt of my life! What made it even more special were the great sportsmen I had the privilege and honor to have shared the hunt with. Ronnie, Gary (gmarc), Joe, James, Dennis, and Shawn were my hunting buddies on this hunt and great camp mates indeed! I’d like to thank all of you for being a part of this truly awesome Elk hunt and playing a part in my success. Ronnie is my friend of 17 years (a great guide too) and I’m so thankful to have had his help and experience that made this hunt possible. He kept saying “Persistence Pays” and it did indeed. I’d like to thank my wife for putting up with my passion to hunt and support me while on my life’s dream of harvesting a trophy elk. I only hope that one day I get the chance to repay the kindness and camaraderie shown to me by everyone who participated in this hunt.


Remember…… Persistence Pays!!!

Dreams Do Come True II

Dreams Do Come True II

"Lessons Learned"

After hunting coues deer with my friends throughout the years and after harvesting my dream muley I decided I would go after a dream coues. With the help of my cousin Kevin Michael (AZhunter) and life long friend Bravo (Aaron Davis) the journey began.

In 2010, I decided I would put in all efforts to find a giant coues. Weekly trips were made scouting and developing new areas in hopes to find a Dream Coues Buck. After the first few weeks of scouting we were starting to get trail pictures of nice bucks including one giant we named “Lobster”. We had many hours dedicated in learning everything about “Lobster” and had High hopes of a quick harvest. Lobster was a legend and had been hunted by some of the best hunters and guides in the state. During the 2010 Archery season it was unfortunate to learn Lobster was harvested before we could get a crack at him. We learned a very valuable lesson from this experience.

With no luck in August I continued my dream into the December archery deer season. Many hours in blinds and stands turned up lots of nice bucks including a buck we called “Woody” which I decided to pass and later regretted. Another lesson learned.

So into 2011 I continued my scouting and took it to a whole new level. During the scouting process I would take pictures of myself hiking so I would remeber the hard work I put in once it all came together.

In early august we noticed the scouting was starting to pay off as Dream bucks were starting to show up on many cameras. Before it was just trying to find a dream buck, but now there were many to choose from and it was hard to pick as I liked a few of them.

So I decided to figure out which one would be the easiest and most predictable to pattern. I studied when the bucks came in, moon phase, and amount of rainfall. After lots of attempts to pattern a big buck, we realized it wasn’t as easy as we thought it would be. As soon as we thought we had a buck dialed he would do a 180 and surprise us. The season closed in quick and we decided to start hunting the buck we called “Woody”.

The same buck I passed on previously, he is packing around quite the head gear this year.

Having so many bucks located Kevin and I decided to help a few friends out for the first weekend instead of hunting for ourselves.
Sunday while making sure “Woodys” spot was 100% for Monday, we walked up on another blind. It was set up about 50 yards from us. We were in complete shock to see it. Not only the fact that the blind was so close to ours, the fact of how this hunter set it up. It was literally plopped right in the middle of a feeding area which leads to our spot. So this threw a little curve ball our way. We ended up sitting the blind anyways. We still had a small two point and doe come strolling through, But no “Woody”. After leaving the blind today we ran into another hunter and learned that he was sitting a tree stand about 200 yards north of us. We decided to not return to that spot for the evening. On our way out we decided to check another cam that had low activity previously. We were surprised to see what was on it and coming in on a regular basis. Yet another giant! After reviewing the pics it looked like there would be a good chance he might be showing up that evening so we decided to grab the stands and sit it out for the rest of the day. Well it didn’t turn out as we hoped but we had a great time.

Tuesday morning we decided to go sit another area where Kevin recently set up and ran into some great bucks while scouting. There is a buck in there we named “Oscar” and I was hoping we might have better luck with this guy as it’s a very isolated area. We got to the blind right at day break and started to get situated and preparing ourselves for a long hot day in the blind. About an hour into the sitting we heard a few sticks crack behind us and it sounded like something was dabblin around in the bushes. We kept quiet and quickly realized it was deer as they came walking out 5 yards in front of the blind. First it was three does then shortly after a 85-90” buck showed up. My heart was pumping even though this buck was probably not going to be my dream buck he looked great to me. I started to knock an arrow and Kevin said hold up, I think we can do better. I said but, thats a great buck! Kevin said, yea but that’s not your Dream Buck? And he then showed me a picture of Oscar and reminded me what we were here for. I agreed, but watching the buck walk away was almost heart breaking. The does came back in a few hours later and passed on through.

About 5pm it started to cool down and some cloud cover moved in which helped a lot. I couldn’t stop thinking all day about the buck I let walk but, I quickly forgot about him when Kevin said “Big Buck, Big Buck, Don’t Move!! Kevin said, “He has Kickers” That got me so excited!! I couldn’t see the buck but by Kevins reaction I knew he had to be big. I wanted to just peak but I didn’t want to scare the buck. He put his head down and started to head to the salt. I was then able to get a look at him. I could not believe what I was looking at, definetly a Dream Buck! Watching that giant at 20 yards from me was amazing, but it got me heart racing and I was getting the good ol’ buck fever. As he turned his head, I drew my bow and Kevin said “don’t miss this buck he is Giant” and that didn’t help my buck fever. I was shaking like crazy but the buck would not turn to give me a good shot, I felt like I was holding my bow drawn for 5 minutes. He was slowly turning my way as he got closer, remember telling myself one more step, one more step. He turned broadside gave me the shot I wanted,” I picked out a little spot by his vitals and took a deep breath and then I let one rip.

The arrow connected I thought perfectly and he bolted off down the side of the hill. The shot felt good and looked good. After the shot we both agreed it may have been a little far back. We were trying to stay quite in the blind but the excitement got to us and we were celebrating already. After about 30 minutes I told Kevin lets go get him and he said, we need to wait longer. I was worried because it was getting dark and how were we going to find a blood trail at dark. After another 30 minutes and more noise coming from the area where he went we figured it would be best to give him over night to expire. We were both surprised he went that far cause the shot looked good. Then the worrying started to play in. Thinking to myself, Where did I hit him? Maybe it wasn’t a good shot? But Kevin kept telling me it was good enough, he cant go to far! With all the horror stories I have heard about hunters not waiting long enough and end up pushing their deer and end up never recovering. We both decided to wait it out till the morning and go find him. It was now almost completely dark and it just wouldn’t have been smart to go in after the buck not knowing 100% for sure where he was hit.

Let me tell you, That was the longest night I have ever spent. Went from being excited to worried of the chance we may not recover him. Morning couldn’t come fast enough. We arose to the howls of coyotes. I began to panic a little after a few guys I talked to the night before said , “Hope the predators don’t get to him before you guys do”. We found the blood trail right away but it took us about an hour to go 100 yards or so. Now I was really starting to get worried, But we kept after it and persistence paid off. Kevin whistled and said I found him! When I looked at Kevin He was holding two thumbs up and screaming you got yourself a giant! He ended up going about 500 yards before expiring. The shot was well placed and we were both amazed how far he went before he piled up. When I got to him I couldn’t believe that was mine! We both just sat there and cherished the moment what a great feeling to accomplish something that we have worked so hard for.

A special thanks, to my wife Aleia Michael and my kids for putting up with this sick addiction.