Havnt had much time to hunt this year. I did shoot a spike in another area back in October. I pretty much figured I'd ride the rest of the season out without any more opportunities.
I got to go hunt this funnel last weekend and had a 4 point ( not legal) walk by at less than 7 yrds. So I took the day off of work and was going to do an all day sit today. I got in the stand about 35-40 minutes before daylight and I heard a hog (I think) work it's way through a thick patch of brush to the west. About 8:30 I thought I heard something else from the same direction so I stood up and got ready. A few minutes later I saw movement and then saw a doe and a yearling slowly working my way. At about 20 yrds she suddenly froze and after about 30 seconds she put her nose straight up and was checking the wind. She eventually took a couple more steps and then slowly turned around and walked back into the woods. The old girl wasn't spooked but knew something wasn't right.
So I figured my day was pretty much shot so I sat down and snacked on some jerky and almonds. I then picked up my phone to check on the gang here when suddenly I hear something  approaching from the east .  I could see its shadow coming off the slight ridge and could tell it was a buck before I could see it's body. I quickly put my phone away but by now it's in full view of me and I can't move. It is on a path that will bring it behind me. There is one tree between us that blocks it view of me for only a spit second. I grab my bow, stand, turn and draw all at the same time!  I have one window of opportunity to make a shot before he's behind some limbs from another tree and then he'll be to far behind me.
All the while my upper limb is hitting some small limbs from the tree beside me. I  maneuver the top limb as i lean forward and bend at the waste . All this happens in a split second!! I don't even remember picking a spot ! Suddenly the arrow is zipping thru the deer right in the pocket! He drops and spins and I can instantly see blood pouring out of him.
Then all is quiet. I don't hear him running or crash or anything.
I sit down because I'm shaking so bad I had to! Lol
I replay the shot over and over in my head . I know it is good but I decided to give him some time anyways. No sense messing things up now!  
So I send out a few text and wait as long as I could before climbing down. I instantly find really good blood and then more and more. It was an amazing trail!  I did have my string tracker as well but it definitely wasn't needed!
I found the broadhead at about 10 yrds. Then at about another 10 yards I look up and I can see my buck just ahead.
He's an old warrior!  A 9 point with some character. All scared up from fighting. He also had an old would on his back leg that was calcified over.
I couldn't be more proud! A big bodied mature buck on public land!!
Then the real work begins! Had to make just under a 1.5 mile drag!!
I'll try to post some pics without having to post a link.

First blood  https://photos.app.goo.gl/CjhNnSztGbtu1j4i2
https://photos.app.goo.gl/8nFJBq3JHjaXpsQB3  
 https://photos.app.goo.gl/2pCsehHY5co8kBNq2  
 https://photos.app.goo.gl/X9n4PAOhVFmYjYJ23  
 https://photos.app.goo.gl/nmX8aqmNZ17txCNs1

He was a fighter for sure!!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/RGlyNHjBSkBhCT9q2
The calcified leg bone
https://photos.app.goo.gl/uyuAsgF5CtcQBCIk2
https://photos.app.goo.gl/1UJMg8WiCbiitKM92

Congrats on an awesome buck!

Fantastic buck !!!  Congrats. Thought you were gonna quarter it and pack it out ?  Lol !!

Nice One. Congrats!

Congrats Randy!! I know how much work you put in and you definitely deserved it. Good job!!

Well done all the way around!  

That's a real accomplishment on public land!

Way to go Randy!  Great buck and so rewarding when your work pays off.    

Congrats Randy.  I bet you are still recovering from the drag lol!

Way to go buddy!! That buck is a trophy for sure!!

You need to get a cart if it would work there. LOL

Congrats! Great story and buck!

Wow, Nice Job on Public Land.  Good for you finding the funnel.

QuoteOriginally posted by BOHO:
Fantastic buck !!!  Congrats. Thought you were gonna quarter it and pack it out ?  Lol !!

That was the original plan .  Either that or use the river for access .  I thought I was being smart and make only one trip !  In hindsight I don't think it was all that smart ! Hahaha!

QuoteOriginally posted by kennym:
Way to go buddy!! That buck is a trophy for sure!!

You need to get a cart if it would work there. LOL

I may need to look into getting one for sure ! My main goal has been to use the river for access but we have had little to no rain since the spring and it is rock bottom low.  Between being low and all the dead falls it is impossible .

What state did you kill it in? Everyone knows you can't kill a mature buck in Texas without an expensive lease and a feeder.
     :p        

You know I'm happy for you brother!

Very nice, Randy..

Awesome job on a nice buck!

Heck yea man! congrats on an awesome buck!!