I can understand everyone’s thoughts about this great buck, and think the situation should be scrutinized.

Stealthy, I agree that a lot of this is a judgment call and there is no defined line as to what is a kill or pickup. We simply disagree on no.2 and that’s fine.

Maybe that deer was found a mile away maybe it wasn't. But if it was just a couple hundred yds away does that change the situation?

Maybe Zafts shot was good enough to kill that buck in a reasonable time and distance and the coyotes pushed him out of his deathbed and forced a tough almost impossible recovery.

Even good ethical and dedicated bow hunters make bad hits and can loose a trail. I don't think Zaft gave up yet and started hunting again, I think this is a very important point. If he had given up on the trail and began hunting and it was found I might be on your side of the fence.

I just know if it was me I would consider that buck mine, that farmer would be in my will, and that rack would be on my wall.