2002 Big Bucks MSIN Collection

Ashley first thought this deer was a good 12 pointer he had seen before. Only when he came upon the downed animal did he realize just HOW big and majestic a buck he had taken. Said it caused him to tear up.
I understand his feelings. A great buck laying there can give you a sense of awe and a feeling that you just weren't worthy to take such an animal's life. I know that was how I felt when I took my best one and he wasn't nearly as nice as this one (but not too shabby either). And I understand the tears. Sometimes the instincts that drive us to hunt can be just a bit confusing, but hunt we will.
Now I HAVE to find this buck's big brother!

Photo and Comentary by Underclocked
More photos of this deer

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Brent Clark
Taken 1999 Morganville, KS

Nick Bratton Hickory County Buck

Point count 23 (every thing you can hang a ring on ) weight 236lb
Well Folks here is the scoop on the Hickory County Buck.
On 10/08/02 at 6:30 pm Nick Bratton of Warsaw Missouri used a High Country Power Force Xl and a Carbon Gold Tip arrow fitted with a Muzzy Broad Head to take down this 23 Point 236 Lb buck in Hickory County.
Nick was in the stand for 3.5 hours and had the deer in sight for about 30 minutes before he took the 25-yard shot. The hit was a double lung hit and the buck bolted and ran 75 yards before it fell.
Nick said the weather was clear and only a small breeze to his face. The terrain was hilly and wooded.
The reasons for not field dressing the deer was to not make a mess before a body photo could be taken.
Nick was using scent wafers by HS Scents and a Primos The Can Call.
There is some very interesting tactics Nick used to call this deer to his stand and away from another huge buck it was fighting with. The buck that got away was bigger than the kill (I know the big one always gets away.) But he has asked me not to let them out until after the season.
And by the way he has not asked me to go with him during gun season. I don’t know what that’s all about. I thought we were friends. He is not a computer geek like the rest of us in fact I think that’s why he is such a good hunter. While we set here typing and reading he is in his stand or preparing to go to the stand.
Story By Watcher

Hit by a car in Shelbina, MO.

Photo sent in by Matt Gerhold.

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