fly

Not mine, but what a great buck My buddy may have pics from years back when he was a year or two old but nothing recent. Another land owner (100's of acres on the other side of the 10 acres) doesn't recognize the buck either.

Buck down!! (pics) Great job Ruth!

Taken Tuesday morning in IL by a kid with permission to hunt 10 acres that adjoins some land my friend owns. My friend is beside himself! Gotta be close to 190?

Great pic and write up Randy! Congratulations

Glad to see this post - thanks Hoosier. Validates why I switched last year. Years ago I used Muzzy and wanted a better blood trail and a point that was like my field point so I switched to the Rocky Mountain Gators - (Same as a rage - although I'm sure the manufacturers would disagree). My first couple deer were pass through heart shots so I had a decent blood trail and short recovery. Then some less than ideal shots rendered the same results posted by Hoosier. In addition I stuck a buck in the shoulder and never found him - arrow broke with only 3-4 inches penetrating. I now shoot Steelforce phat heads and have found they are as close to my field tips as expandables, all deer shot recovered within 50 yards, blood trail very weak to non-existant, all shots have been heart or lung pass through. They jury is still out as far as less than ideal shots, but my number one selling point these days above blood trails, fly like a field point, or cut diameter is max penetration.

way to go boys! congats

2013 Muzzle Loader Season Welcome back Griz! Congratulations!

Enjoy it while you can. Things like this don't last - and if anyone asks tell them the hunting could be better and never report a big buck to anyone! Especially the land owner or his relatives. Don't lie, just downplay it.

I'd have to agree with Hoosier. Not sure where you are but Western IL got hammered by EHD last year and deer numbers are way down. All the guys in my area say the same thing - trail cam pictures and sightings are about 1/2 what they were in years past.

Age and score this buck? Ah the classic thread of what is a mature buck. I love it! I'd like to take a 5.5 or older buck each year- but since I have no means of management - dont own land - have permission for only a small area - the first 130 incher gets it regardless of age.

Sounds like a blast! Hope you and Jeff score a big one

Age and score this buck? There is a two buck limit per year in IL. This is the only mature buck I have on camera for the month of October. Hopefully more will be arriving. EHD hit hard in summer 2012 and numbers are down in most central west counties.

Recipes Randy! Where you been - missed you around here.

Awesome! Very cute!

Deer recipes Tried this last weekend and it was great! Deer heart sliced into 1/2 inch steaks. 1/2 stick butter in fry pan. Drop steaks in flour mixed with rosemary, chili pepper, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook each side for 5 minutes or longer if you prefer

Congratulations! Great looking doe

this guy.... I've invited guys new to hunting to share our annual deer camp. i let them borrow one of my guns, use some of my gear and even put them in my favorite spots. They get two years and then if they don't get the fever and buy their own stuff I move on and let someone else give it a try.

Interesting ranges - William is generally right on the money. Originally I was thinking 3.5 year old scoring 135 inches but I am generally a poor guesser which is why I posted this. Now that I have read these comments and viewed the videos a little more I'm bumping him up to at least 4.5 years old and closer to 140 inches. I hope the rut pulls him out of darkness.

Pretty cool

Stand number isn't so much of an issue - disturbing and leaving scent throughout an area is an issue. You have to mix it up - keep your scent away from the middle of the ground and designate a sanctuary in the thickest area on the land you never enter - even if it is only 5 acres.

Green plants as the appetizer with corn being the main course and a few acorns for dessert.

In West Central IL I saw my first scrape of the year last night on the edge of a cut corn field. It was small and likely made October 27th. I think the seeking phase just started. time to get serious boys! Better be in a tree this weekend!

Finally got my first shooter on my new trail camera. These were videos that I got still images from. Looks like Bucks are getting interested.

Good work Rhine! Deer activity has been picking up for me. October 24th October 25th

fix blade tips Been through a lot and I don't think I'll go back to expandables. They are awesome for accuracy and cut diameter, but I get less penetration on big bucks. I give up a large cut diameter for maximum penetration and accuracy. Steel force phat heads are my favorite currently. Thicker blade and cut on contact tip.