Hunter: John Phillips
Points: 11 (6L, 5R)
County: Dooly
Season: 2024-2025
Hunt Story
This was our #1 target buck. We had been watching him all summer and had already had a few close encounters with him already. It was getting late in the morning and I was already starting to plan where I would try and hunt that afternoon. About that time, I looked out across the pond and saw a few Does stand up and run off. I had started seeing some of the younger Bucks kicking some does up in my previous hunts, so I immediately started glassing the wood line about 120 yards from my stand. About that time I saw him and new it was a good deer. He was in some really thick brush and tall grass, so at the time I did not realize it was him. I decided I would shoot, and the cat and mouse game was on. He worked his way toward the does that ran off and checked a scrape. Then he turned around and started working back down the other side. I waited for a small opening and when he stepped into it I dropped the scope on his shoulder and pulled the trigger. I did not see any sign of him running off or moving, so I wasn't sure how good of a shot I had made. I called my brother to let him the news and to tell him I had just shot a Toad, and it wasn't Bocephus (our #1 Target Buck), but a different deer I had never seen before. Then I set out to go look for him. I looked for about 30 minutes in some of the tallest grass and thickest brush you have ever seen. I mean it was thick as dog hair in there! I called my brother back and told him there was no sign of him anywhere. He said to remain calm and try to find some high ground and replay the whole story in my head. I walked about 10 more yards and there he was, laying right where he was at when I shot. I quickly walked over to him and realized it Bocephus. Our #1 target buck!!!! The good Lord had once again blessed me with the opportunity to harvest a beautiful, mature Buck. It was truly a hunt I will never forget!
