Yep, I'd agree 5 shot. A healthy 8-pointer dieing in the same vacinity -- with dark antlers to boot? Like Matt said, methinks too much coincidence.

I know, not the right way to think about it, but if you wanted to look at the good side, at least you got the antlers and didn't have to use a tag! I know, no honor to the animal that way, or satisfaction in a good hunt ... just trying to cheer you up!

Discipline -- not desire -- determines destiny.