Angus, one of the most important things you can carry with you when trophy hunting is a postive mental attitude; keep your chin up! EXPECT to have this monster on your wall next year!

You also mentioned "encounters" with him... I've almost finished reading a fantastic book which was recommended in the Deer Hunting forum a couple weeks ago written by one of our own forum members; you can check it out at www.higginsoutdoors.com

The reason I mention that is that both Don (the author) and I think very similarly when it comes to going after mature bucks. I would limit any potential contact you might possibly have with this ol' boy until it's time for you to sit in a stand with a bow in hand!