Posted up last night about a buck that I took a 200+ yard shot at yesterday evening.
I've had 3 bucks on camera. 2 nice 8pts (nice to me...I've never shot an 8 before) and a MONSTER 10pt. Well, I had a lot of pics of the 8pts, but the 4 pics I got of the 10pt has given me fuel to get my butt in the woods and stick it out. I spent a lot of time scouting the 50 acre piece of property, and learning their patterns and bedding areas. This was the first year that I decided to up my game and really try to learn more about deer and their behavior/movements.
I have a climbing stand about 15 yards inside the woods next to a cutover. I had the cutover to my left, and I was facing a rub line with some rubs on some trees the size of my leg. I haven't gotten any pics on my cameras in a couple weeks since they started chasing, but I knew they were there. I setup next to where I felt was a great bedding area. So, yesterday evening, about 10 or 15 min of legal shooting light left, I look over my left shoulder and catch a glimpse of movement. I look through my binoculars, and see it's a deer! Throw my gun up, crank up the scope, locate the deer, and see it's a decent buck (I was going for an 8 or better, but was really hoping to get the 10pt). Either way, the 3 deer I was hunting were bigger than anything I've ever shot before. Put the crosshairs on him just as he stepped into the woods. He stops, and now there is a tree between us. I waited for him to take a step, and when he does, I put the crosshairs on what I estimated to be just behind his left shoulder (he was quartering away, and I wanted a heart/lung/opposite shoulder hit). Pulled the trigger, and felt immediate regret. Took about 20 min to get out of my stand and walk over 200 yards to the spot where he was when I shot him. No blood, and it was completely dark at the time. I didn't know where to look...he could have went anywhere. Looked for a bit, but I felt that rushed the shot and missed. I didn't know what to do, but leave, and try in the morning. Went home, and replayed the scenario in my mind over and over again, kicking myself for taking the shot.

Fast forward to this morning, and I sat out for about 3 hours, then walked to where I last saw the deer. Walked into the woods, and walked left along a deep ravine looking to see if he gave up the ghost down there. No luck. Decided to backtrack and walk to the right of where I saw him. Got about 10 yards, and I look directly in front of me, and about 20 yards up I see the outline of what looks like some sort of wildlife. After a second, I'm thinking coyotes. After I had a second to focus, I realize it is two big dogs, standing over my deer! They were nose to nose, growling at each other. I heard a couple barks that morning, and I guess they were the source. I was close to a mile from any houses, so they weren't escaped domestic dogs. These were feral/wild/strays. They don't see me...I reached into my pack, and pull out my .40 cal. I take a step forward, they turn and see me, and run about halfway between me and the deer. They stop about 10 yards from me, and I've got my pistol pointed, waiting for them to charge me. No collars, and these dogs were BIG. They were not half starved animals you see on the ASPCA commercials, LOL. I take a step forward, they start barking, and after a 2 second staredown (which seemed like 20 minutes), they take off in opposite directions. I yelled at them, and proceeded to the dead deer. I'm guessing they just found it, but it was untouched. Examined it, and while it wasn't the 10pt I was looking for, it was one of the 8pts that was on my list. I was amazed that the 200+ yard shot was right on the money. Immediately behind the left shoulder. The deer didn't make it 25 yards. It wasn't easy to get to, so it's good that I didn't find him until this morning. Very proud of this kill. I know he's not a monster buck, but he's the biggest deer I've ever got the drop on. I put in the work, and put on the time. I'm really proud to have harvested this deer. I feel like I earned it...it wasn't dumb luck. It was where preparation met opportunity, and I took advantage and made the best shot that I've made I my life. I'm a happy guy right now!

Congrats! Love a happy ending.

Congratulations on finding the buck, but I would have shot the dogs as you described them.

Congrats on finding him, great story too!!

Glad you found him. Gonna be looking for mine in the morning. I hope it ends the way yours did.

Congrats! Fine buck, now find you a local taxidermist who does good work!

Congrats!!

Congrats on a great buck and an awesome story.

way to keep at it!

Great job!!! Congrats

Good deer and good story....congrats...

Congratulations on the great deer!!!!

Wow, great story. I believe most of us share you're sentiment of hard work = good outcome. Thanks for sharing and Great job!

Thanks! I'm happy. In retrospect, those nasty dogs needed to be disposed of, but I was afraid there was a trespasser nearby and they were his dogs. I don't need that kind of trouble.

Glad you got the deer. Dog in the woods within pistol range, growling at me... Bad day...

Awesome story! I read your original post about thinking you missed him and wondered what ever happened. Glad you found him. Congrats!

Nothing wrong with that! Fine Buck

Good story! Glad you found him!

Congrats