Hunter: John Phillips
Points: 10 (5L, 5R)
County: Dooly
Season: 2024-2025
Hunt Story
I had some history with this deer over the past few years. I am not sure where his summer range was at, but without fail he would show up every Nov. and set up camp for about 6 weeks. By the time he got to us last year he was so broken up we all just decided to give him a free pass. He was a very mature deer and wasn't one to shy away from a fight. I had already seen him several times this season, but he would never get close enough for me to take a shot with my Bow (always staying 80 to 100 yards out). Friday Dec. 6th was a magical afternoon. It was the eve before the coldest night of the year, the wind had shifted from a North to slightly NW, and it just felt right. I got into my stand a little later than I wanted to (around 3:45) and had to run 3 does and a Tom out in the food plot. I wasn't worried though, due to the amount of deer I had been seeing in this spot and the way they just eased into the woods without blowing or creating too much of a fuss. Sure enough, about 30 minutes later the deer started coming through and feeding their way into the food plot. Then I hear something chasing in the woods behind me and about that time he came running past me, stopping behind some trees about 50 yards from me on the edge of the wood line. After surveying the field for about 5 minutes, he walked on out and started checking some does. At this point he was well outside of Bow range, so it became a waiting game (which I welcomed, since it bought me some time to regain my composure). Another nice 4 1/2 year old showed up and they did the dance in the middle of the field before deciding to head my way. The 4 1/2 year old came over first and was just feeding for a while. Then the 10 decided to come over and let him know who the boss was. That was the opportunity I was waiting for. Moments later I rested my sight on him and let it fly. It was a good, clean shot with a complete pass through. The good Lord had blessed me again with the opportunity to harvest a beautiful, mature Buck!
