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This story starts a few days before I left for the family camp in the Adirondacks. I was planning on heading up there for the last few days of New York’s northern zone season as I have for several years now. For some reason I had this odd, strong feeling about November 28, 2012 being “The Day”. I told my Dad and my girlfriend Bonnie separately that if I was going to get a buck that this was going to be when. This day would be my late Granddad’s birthday and the 10th anniversary of my first buck kill. I was a senior in college that year and in addition to being Granddad’s birthday it was also Thanksgiving. My brother Owen and I pulled into my Grandparent’s driveway in our hunting clothes with a dead buck to show off when we should have already been there visiting with family and preparing to feast. Of course everyone wanted to see the deer and hear the story. As I replayed the events to a mixed audience of farmers and city dwelling cousins I was cut off by Granddad in midsentence after I said I had “harvested” the buck, a term I used in an attempt to soften the details for less tempered relatives. Granddad exclaimed, “You didn’t harvest him, you killed him and don’t say it any other way!” I didn’t know it at the time but that would be Granddad’s last birthday. I’ll never forget that moment or that day. Hunting the rut in the Adirondacks would seem logical but if there isn’t snow in those big woods it can be difficult to locate deer, which is why I prefer the end of the season when it is more probable that there would be tracking snow on the ground. This year the conditions were perfect- three inches of snow on the ground and light snow showers every day with temperatures staying slightly below freezing. I started out at daybreak on the 1st day by driving thirty or so miles around the park and on various logging roads in search of a large buck track crossing the road, a track I never found. I ended up back near the main camp area and headed off on the trail to Salmon Lake as there had been a fair amount of deer activity seen in that direction a week or so before. I cut some deer tracks a ¾ mile down the trail and followed them in the general direction of North Pond. As the tracks appeared to belong to a couple does and fawns, I left them and followed the outlet to the Flowgrounds. From there I hunted up a hill off the north shore of the pond where I found a couple of snowed in scrapes and plenty of feeding activity. I soon spotted a doe and fawn towards the top of the hill but they had also spotted me and soon bounded away. I noticed the top of the hill appeared to be fairly open and looked like a potential buck bedding area. I was excited to find two big beds on an overlook; one was a day old with snow in it and the other was fresh with a nice-sized track which quickened my pulse. I followed the track down off the hill perpendicularly to the way I came up and noticed where the buck had fed on ferns, bedded very recently, and even saw where his antler tips stuck into the snow as he fed. Now I knew I was on a decent buck and the track was very fresh. As I followed the track it then traveled in the general direction of where I had encountered the doe and fawn. Suddenly the buck had stopped and then bounded away and down the hill to the northwest. I had been close, but not close enough. Without snow I never would have known about him at all. How often does this happen when there isn’t any snow to tell the tale and the hunter never knows? Not having to ponder the answer to this question I took off on his trail. Just because I had jumped him didn’t mean that the jig was up. I followed him for 3 hours and several miles. I lost count of how many times I almost caught up with him and he ran again, but each time he would bound a little less before returning to a brisk walk. I was unsure whether he was physically tiring or he was starting to wonder what was really following him with nothing really bad happening… yet. Several times he crossed other deer tracks and even my own as he attempted to shake his pursuer, but with every step he left a telltale trail that this predator knew he was at the end of. At one point he stuck his nose deep in the snow where a doe had urinated; apparently the urge to breed was slightly stronger than the urge to survive. I wish I could say that at the end the day there laid a majestic buck in a picturesque setting unaware of the doom taking aim at his vitals, but at 4:30pm I reluctantly left his track and beat feet from a point near the Salmon Lake Boathouse over the two miles of trail back to my truck. My GPS read 8.6 miles for the day’s wandering. Throughout the pursuit I innately knew it wasn’t going to happen that day and for some reason tomorrow, the 28th of November was The Day. The second day dawned with high hopes and optimism. Conditions were again great with another light dusting of snow that continued through late morning and I of course had that feeling. Because I had been on what seemed to be a pretty nice buck the day before I decided to get right back on his track and see if I could finish what I had started. I picked up where I left off and soon lost his track after he got into a group of does and fawns feeding. With a dusting of snow over everything it was impossible to figure out which tracks were his. As I write this I am kicking myself for not making wide circles around the top of the hill and the feeding activity to find where he had walked out, but then I would have a different story to tell. One of the caretakers had suggested checking out the Fly Ponds area as he had seen a lot of deer activity in that general vicinity the previous year at the same point in the season. This seemed like a good idea and because I had never been there before that’s where I headed. The last major bit of deer sign I saw was right by the road where I parked even though I went to the Fly Ponds, headed west towards Salmon Lake, got tangled up in a nasty blow down area, looped back towards the low area between Pilgrim Pond Mountain and East Pond Mountain, crossed beaver dams, and closed my eyes and rammed through dense spruce thickets. Sure I saw a few tracks from does and fawns, but no major feeding activity, and more importantly, no big buck tracks that begged me to follow. I’ll admit, at 3:30 pm, when I was on the back side of East Pond Mountain and I hadn’t seen any deer tracks in the last couple of miles my inner “feeling” began to waver. I noticed a marker nailed to a tree indicating a trail that a cousin had cut over the peak of the mountain and down to the main trail that led to my truck on the other side. I had heard about this mountain trail but never actually been on it. Because it was a shorter route back to the main trail although steeper, I decided to give it a try. That was a mistake, but looking back, every step I took that day played a very important role in my timing. As I chugged up the mountainside I felt as though I had wasted a great day of ideal tracking conditions without actually following a track. There was always tomorrow, but what happened to today being The Day? About two thirds of the way up there were suddenly 3 does standing in an opening above me at about 40 yards. I raised my gun and searched desperately for a buck that wasn’t there. They ultimately spooked, taking a fourth, previously unseen doe with them. Exciting, but not what I was looking for. As I caught my breath at the top and peered over the edge at the rest of the trail disappearing below me I questioned my decision to go over the top instead of around but it was too late to turn back. Were there any deer tracks on that side of the mountain? I have no idea. I spent more time slipping, sliding, and getting grabbed by snags while trying to survive my ride to the bottom than I care to endure again. I can’t tell you what the purpose of that trail is but I know it’s not for hunting. At least now I was on fairly level ground and I could ease my way back towards the truck. Although the day was almost over I do remember thinking it wasn’t quite over yet and because I had long ago been taught to be attentive and looking for deer as long as I could still legally hunt, I carefully eased my way along the shoulder of the mountain in the direction of my truck. As I crested the saddle between East Pond Mountain and Bread Loaf, my eyes caught a horizontal shape that quickly turned into a deer 50 yards off to my right in a low area that drained towards East Pond. I froze and unaware of my presence, the deer raised its head to chew on some ferns it had dug from the snow. That’s when I saw a thick antler beam that rose up off the deer’s head. I saw all I needed to convince me that this buck was more than a few years old I quickly raised my rifle and fired. Although the shot was fatal I fired once more which dropped him immediately. It happened so quickly that the adrenaline didn’t start to hit me until I was halfway to the fallen buck, the whole time thinking, “I can’t believe it really happened- today!” What I saw when I reached had me struggling to think clearly; the antlers on this deer were absolutely gargantuan. The mass is indescribable. I admit I have not been known to be a spiritual person, but I immediately looked up at the tree tops and sky above and said, “Thank you Granddad.” After that I can’t remember what I babbled but I know I stomped around that deer just looking at the obscenely thick antlers in disbelief. I looked at my GPS, it was 4:22 pm, and I’d covered 11.1 miles at that point. For such a magnificent buck to cross paths with me at nearly the last legal minute, on Granddad’s birthday, exactly ten years to the day after I’d killed my 1st buck, and on a day that I somehow knew several days in advance was The Day is eerie. Coincidence? Anyone who knows me knows that I am more than a little superstitious when it comes to hunting. For example; I shaved off my big buck beard as soon as I got home (can’t shave from the beginning of the season until you get a buck or the season ends- I am not the only hunter that believes in this, and it may seem silly but you won’t convince me otherwise). For me to tell my Dad and girlfriend ahead of time about “The Day” was way out of character because it would ensure failure and I would jinx myself. The following morning I took a lot of pictures trying to capture the sheer massiveness of the buck. I have realized that a person really needs to try to wrap their fingers around the beams to appreciate how much bone there is. With bases of nearly 6” and H2s over 5”, the thickness of the antlers actually make the whole rack look smaller than it is when seen from a distance or in a photo. For example: I assumed the main beams were around 22” and the inside spread was about 16”, but was shocked to tape the inside spread at 18” and both main beams at 26”. What I assumed was a really heavy 135” 8 point turned out to be a high 140s (I rough scored it at 149) 8 point, which is remarkable considering G3s that are only 3 + 4”. Luck is the number one ingredient in deer hunting and I am extremely lucky to have as much of it as I’ve had, but on November 28, 2012, not only did I have a lot of luck, I had Granddad.

THAT is the understatement of the year! He is a giant. Look at the size of the bases and how close they are. Damn.......... Put a tape to that stud. (Sam, your azz is gonna be in big trouble when The Hartford finds out you killed their buck....)

True. But there's a thin line between confidence and arrogance. And it comes down the individuals conscience. Some people will chalk up 1 wounded deer out of 100 shots as a freak occurrence. Others will see that as 1 too many. No right or wrong here. Everyone has to be their own judge.

Excalibur Crossbow. I don't care if its legal or not, it attacked me.

well finally found him went 300 yards

then you dont shoot. or i dont anyways.

Went out to my stand this morning, hoping to see the big guy today but managed to get the momma of the button buck I shot on opening day... I have pictures of her with 2 button bucks, I shot 1 opening day and the other one was with her today. He didn't know what to do after I shot her. He just kinda stood there and walked in a circle 10 yards from my stand and after a few more minutes took off. I'll let him grow for a couple years... This makes 3 for me this year.

I understand this is a public forum and some guys are not experianced...not comfortable with head shots and they should not take head shots....thats fine....don't do it however.... myself and a lot of others hunt fox and coyote on a regular basis....and I almost always have to take a head shot.....especially during deer season when we have to use .22 mag a body shot won't work I am pretty confident shooting a coyote in the head at 150yards in the pitch dark with a flashlight....a deer at 50yards with a rest i DON'T evan think about it at night we shoot at glow in the dark tacks....just to practice so if your not comfortable takeing a shot don't do it......but judge someone for being a better marksman and spending more time at the range then you

A good size caliber and more important good shot placement and you shouldn't have to chase a deer anywere. Head shot or heart shot it does the same thing. But no headshots for me that wouldn't make for a nice picture to hold the memories.

Call the feds and tell them the truth about jimmy hoffa being buried right where he wants the pond. You can thank me for my bright idea by letting my kids fish in the pond. ... Or just get a chainsaw bear.

Wayne county sure produces some bucks. My cousin took down a dandy 8 point there owning day of gun, 151" gross green score, 5.5" bases, 22" spread.

Since my cabin is a half mile IN the woods literally,I wait till just before legal time and actually sit at the outside table with a coffee sometimes...I wait for legal time and take my walk down to the stand by the river nice and slow.I like to hunt every inch I can to my stand,because it's all good.Every situation I am sure ,is different. At the Pa. cabin with 50K ac of bordering game land,we used to walk for 1hr prior to being on stand,to be there atleast 30min before sunrise.It sucked. But we either saw or shot big bucks,and saw no orange whatsoever....the normal hunter won't travel that far.Topo maps,years of hunting there and atleast 2 working compass' in your pocket and the knowledge to use them makes for excellent hunting,in most cases.

That is fine in most scenerios.I do it every time I can. BUT there have been times the neck shot was ALL I had.....dead deer end result. I'm talking standing deer, close shot,looking at me or a off to the side etc.,never from a rest and always off hand.Usually a snap shot,bring it up,aquire the hairs on the target and shoot.No I am not a trained sniper,but well pacticed off hand.Military back ground,state police certified with a hand gun, and a private shooting range year around practiced.Do I aim for the neck on every deer I shoot...no.I do my best not to take that shot,but if it is all I am presented,you betcha,that IS the shot that will be taken...and that is high in the neck,not center or low.But never a head shot.

i like to take a nap while i wait for the sun to come up a little.I like to be awake for the last 45 or so mins defore sun rise,to see if any thing comes by just for $hits and giggles.Thats when you see those big bucks and then you can have a "i missed a chance on a big one" story cause it was way to dark to be shooting any thing.

I haven't taken the time to read all of this lengthy thread so please forgive if I'm being repititous. A 243, 223 357,etc. will take deer just fine. IMO, the issue here is the fallacies that have somehow transgressed into "fact ". 1-a bad shot is a bad shot no matter what cartridge is used. 2-there is no requirement for a bullet to pass through to be effective 3-having a deer run a bit in the few seconds it takes to die is the norm 4-I have no desire to shoot a deer at a poor angle as I don't want to waste any meat or be reasonable for a slow agonizing death . Be ethical and you will have a short follow up.

Unless you're trying to save the pelt, there is no such thing as being too dead.

tell that to a 15 year old xbox junkie. lol.

it all boils down to being at the right place at the right time is all.Luck.

Bummer. I know exactly how you feel. Had the same thing happen last year and the year before.

I don't buy into this aging of venison thing. Cut them up as soon as possible. Unless you have a cooler that will keep a constant temperature, hanging them somewhere in a barn or outside won't do it. Just this season I heard of one crew who shot a couple of deer opening weekend and then let them hang in the shade at camp somewhere for a whole week until these dudes came back hunting again the next weekend. No way in hell was the temperature below 40 degrees for the entire week where they hunted. Way more chances of screwing up your meat this way, then if you butcher it up and freeze it promptly. If the venison is cooked properly I can guarantee anyone that they won't be able to tell the difference if the meat was aged or not.

In my early hunting years, I hunted with a 308 reloaded with 47 gr 4064 powder and 125 gr siera boat-tails. It was an older Mauser action that someone had done a lot of work on "glass bedding and the works". I lucked out and picked it up cheap and it was my 1st gun and only gun for years. Never missed ..lol.. In those days I shot most of the deer in the neck (spinal region) .Always resulted in an instantly downed deer that never moved again. I think ,due to the "explosiveness" of the light bullet and high speeds this was very effective. Now that I have moved on to different gun/s and do not practice anywhere near as much as in the past I have moved on to the behind the shoulder shots, a lot bigger target ..lol.

I don't know how you guys do it...I tried with the chart...and my buck was like 110...but he still looks darn awesome to me!...That's all that matters...what would you have guessed?

Nice Buck!!! Congrats, shame the other one got away but you made up for it with this one, great buck!

Don't do it.I ain't giving second chances.I pay a lot to hunt this land.Put a lot of time in to scouting and controlling my scent.I put a lot into my entry and exit of my area with controlling my scent and sounds,so the deer aren't spooked out or get a pattern. I aint taking your silly excuses like i am looking for my buddies stand,lost track of the boundries,"oh this is posted?",I "had" permission last yr,Im tracking a deer,and so on. I have DEC and OC sheriffs office in speed dial.If you hide your back tag i will take a picture of your face for them. If you don't have blood on you arrow STAY OFF MY LEASE!!!OR PAY THE JUDGE!!!!! If you are LEGIT tracking a deer......Show me the bloody arrow and i will help. During gun season..................DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!!!!!!!! I have my 12 yr old there hunting with a bow. Stay out...........You will be charged with trespassing even if you are tracking a wounded deer.No excuses during gun.You should be a better shot.sorry.If you need to Call the land owner.His name is on the posted signs!

I'm trying to figure out who you DIDN'T offend with your rant here? Having a hard time though. LOL

Be a real hunter and support other hunters instead of being an elitist that joins in on the division of ranks, and in turn help the antis with their agenda.

Personally I'd get my "is it safe to shoot" answers from a qualified gunsmith who actually inspected the gun and not from the interwebs.

twilight is fun. every stump and downed tree appears to move and looks like a deer haha.

Well Biz, first off, I did not ask for your opinion or thoughts on my hunts. This post was to share a cool buck video. I have a wife, kids, each kid plays fall sports, full time job, a house, many other obligations, and a kid that was injured and had to have surgery. My wife can't take time off from her work, so 2 weeks of my time has been the primary caregiver for my son (who can't get out of bed or a recliner by himself). Hunting is my hobby, not my life. I get out as often as I am able to and if it's only for 2-4hrs each time, I am greatful for that. Frankly, you can take your elitist attitude and go............ (Don't want to violate and forum rules here)