a core area as small as 40 acres
A core bedding area maybe.
But I sincerly doubt a buck has a core area ever of this size. No chance.
He would have to have food, cover, and water throughout the year all on this 40 acre tract. A core bedding area at a certain time of year.. yes. But without exeption never a core area.
Sure the dude saw him always on the same 40.. but that proves nothing.. unless of course he saw him nearly everyday.. not 2 or 3 times in 3 years always in the same area.
No chance.