Played cat and mouse with this buck, watching him work does and hope he'd stray within my range...then the stars line up I got the perfect wind to move in deeper. I caught movement, as he came into view I sawhis trademark (kicked out G4 on his right side)and shouldered. He worked along the N edge of the saddle, he cleared the brush and I made a couple grunts with my voice, making him slam on the brakes. Crosshairs settled just behind the shoulder, squeezed which was followed by "smack".I waited listening for a crash but nothing, reloaded and went to the shot sight to find hair at first and then blood. Within a few steps I saw lung blood on both sides of his trail indicating a pass thru (exit). Even though you are sure you made the shot, nothing spells relief like seeing the evidence at your boot tips. 75 yards later a wash of blood, veer to the right and he was piled up just off his trail. 6x5, 23 4/8" inside spread, 24" main beams, good tine length, decent mass and sprinkle of character for good measure.

Shot details:
- not a long one this time: inside of 40 yards
- less the 100 yards travelled after the shot
- upper double lung
Savage 50 cal ML, Zeiss Conquest 3.5x10x44 and warne maxima rings/bases.
250gr Barnes Expander MMP HPH 12