Shawn and i set up last night hunting the ribcage buck hopeing to get a shot at him. We hadnt seen a whole lot till about 6:30 when Shawn said "Mike, theres a buck...i just saw him go through the gap down there, i saw his rack." The buck looped around and appeared back in our lane and headed straight toward us - It was the big tall 8 pointer.

(The picture of him in velvet is from lat year)


Shawn came to full draw as he closed the distance. He stopped about 20 yards away facing straight at us and was looking around when all of a sudden he looks right up at shawn. He looked for about 10 seconds, turned around and bloted!

I couldnt believe it. I thought it was game over when he was on his way in. The wind was good so he couldnt have smelled us, it was like he just "knew" something wasnt right. I told Shawn not to worry and that everything happpens for a reason (hoping the ribcage buck would show soon). He never showed up, but at about 7 we had a good looking young 8 come by right through our lane broadside - perfect! If only it was the ribacage buck! This younger 8 is about a 120" and needs another year...

What is that stuff that you put on the ground in front of your camera?

Its a mixture of minerals. Rock Salt, DiCalcium-Phosphate, and Mineral Salt i believe...

I need to get a set up like you have....awesome pics.

I know the feeling all too well...... Every buck in Jersey walks through the woods looking up in the trees.

Sounds like your getting close to sealing the deal with "ribcage"....he'll show upsoon enough...Looking forward to seeing the pic of em on the back of your truck.

Those are two beautiful bucks by the way.

Man you guys and your stories are great! Good pictures too! Keep em comin!

It's funny how sometimes they just know. Well, good luck getting on ribcage.

Michael--My bible tells me not to be envious of my fellow man[]--Boy--your shore making it hard--JK--Good looking bucks---

I assume when you talk about "Ribcage"--You are refering to the points lined up like ribs-not some skinny dried piece ofhide an bones-RIGHT!!

That sixth sense has kept many a big buck alive!

Yes