I didn't here first shot last thursday until 6:55. Friday was a little after 7 like you said. We saw a buck and a doe between everyone in my party, the only exception is my dad waited for the doe to come out from some pine trees and never did, she took off in another direction. Overall similar hunts, and I don't think Hardwick checked in as much as 20 deer total. Maybe next year you or your friend might get another shot at that buck.
I don't think I will ever again get a shot at that buck I missed. Hardwick is closed next year and I doubt I will get pulled for that zone in two years.
Good luck. You have snow to work with. I didn't. If I had snow on the ground when I missed my buck I would have tried to follow the tracks and see if I could jump him again to get another shot but things aren't always that easy.
