In all reality, this is "probably" your buck Jeff. If you wanted to put your tag on it and claim it (as you have), then so be it. I was just stating that if "I" was in those shoes, I could not claim it unless some way I could prove it mine. I would feel just as bad about claiming a deer that "may" not be mine as I would not tagging it and shooting another buck. (if it was mine) Kind of a catch 22 so to speak, I guess. It is only my thoughts on what "I" would have done. Nothing against your decision at all.

LT

Like I said, LT.....what if I'd walked up on him the next day....and there was no arrow in him? Just curious.

I would say this would depend onwhetherthere was a bloodtrail to bactrack(or lack of bloodtrail). Kinda hard to say when you have no real solid characteristics (horns, markings, etc,) to go by. Like I said, very catchy situation in my opinion.

LT