Just before you could see real well he slunk in like a ghost this morning... the boss of the woods. I walked in while it wasdark and hung 2 Wildlife Research golden estrous leafs out front about 17 yards in front of the stand. I had never used them before but figured they make life easier than bottles and wicks so I thought I'd giveit a try.

I had just climbed up into the standand had rigged up a tree umbrella cause it was raining a bit. I was sitting there in an ancient old apple orchard. I had my hat off cooling down from the walk in. I had an arrow nocked and the bow was hanging.

About 100 yards away I heard this terrible racket... branches breaking... some knocking sounds. I thought it was one of the young kids sneaking in on me and trying to set up a climber on theland. It has happened in the past and I was gonna pay him a visit about 10am.

Any way, not 5 minutes later I saw this body comingin like a ghost and could see a spectacular rack. Much wider andtaller than 2 of my previousgun kills that I have mounted (131-9pt and 141-11pt). He came in like he was pulled in on a rope straight tothe scent leaf directly in front of me at 17 yards.

It happened so fast. I had enough time to grab the bow and pull it back just as he reached the scent leaf. Then he literally jumped 180 degrees and took a step behind a couple small trees and looked right up at me. Then bounded away 30 yards and stood where it was thick for about 1 minute. He never blew at me or snorted. I could see the horns but not the body and then he was gone. Never saw him or heard him leave. He just vanished.

I don't know how many points because it was still to dark to see them clearly although I could see his body well enough to shoot butat that point I wasn't trying to count. The rack was really white so I could see the2main beams were at least 5 or6 inches longer and wider thanmy 9 point, which measures 18" wide and each side is18" long.

With that length,there must be room for another set of tines. Based on my 9 point which is really a 4X4 with a 3" kicker off the right brow tine,I figure this buck must go at least in the low to high 150's.

I think he saw my movement but I think what spooked him was seeing the tree umbrella against the early morning sky silhoette.

Questions: Do you think he will come back to this standsiteand do you think I should use the estrous leafs again?
Should I try another location with the estrous leaves?

Sorry so long but what an amazing thing to see a creature like that, even though I didn't kill him.