I admire your persistence! That's a great trophy that you earned. There should be no shame at all in this situation. You went the extra mile (no pun intended) and deserved to find that buck, which is a bute. If anything you should be quite proudof your achievement. As previously mentioned, most would have given up MUCH sooner. You better get him mounted! Hats off to you my friend, you are a real hunter. Congrats!