congrats GregH, 18 deer in 19 seasons is one heck of a ratio. i finally was able to take a mature buck for the first time this season and like you said its a whole different ballgame. they are survivors. they dont get that old by being dumb. as for young hunters taking monsters... you never know what caused that buck to be moving at that time. right place at the right time. something could have spooked him and he was fleeing from there when the shot was taken. there are so many variables that need to happen correctly in order to tag one. when they get out of their beds they have a 360 degree circle in which direction to head. never know exactly where that will be. scouting helps but it ultimately is up to the buck where its going to go.