I first saw this guy 2 weeks ago while bowhunting. He was within 15 yards of me, but about 5 yards inside some standing corn facing away. He never offered me an ethical shot so I passed. This passed weekend, I was fortunate enough to come across him again while I hunted a rub line. This time, however, I had slug gun in hand. I didn't realize how big he was until I walked up on him to begin field dressing. He has 13 scoreable points and weighed about 200 pounds field dressed. I think he's 4 and a half years old. Check out the brow tines.

This is the nicest deer I have taken and I am considering a wall mount. Can anyone recommend a good, reputabletaxidermist? I live about 40 miles NW of Chicago and would prefer someone relatively close (100 miles).

Thanks.

Nice deer. Congrats.

First off welcome to Huntingnet.com.

I'm nowhere near you so I have no recomendations. I have a guy local for me that does a nice job. You may want to check the Taxidermy forum here on huntingnet too.

BTW if you don't mount that I'd have to call you crazy.

Great buck!!

the best taxidermist around is vern in algonquin illinois hes been doing this for ever and he is very well known for his excellent deer mounts. give him a call and tell him,RICHIE sent you he will take great care of you and your trophy. the place verns taxidermy algonquin illinois 847-658-5813

First post in 2 1/2 years!!?? Heck of a first post, a monster of s buck! Congrats!!

Thanks Goosebuster80. I'll give Vern a call.

GregH. I wanted to make sure my first post was a good one.

Nice buck,congrats man!

I have to agree with Goosebuster80. My husband has had deer done by Vern and he DOES do excellent work. Not cheap, but well worth it if you want it to last a lifetime. May take 1 year to get it back, but worth the wait. BTW, awesome buck. You can also mention that Ken sent you. He just picked up his buck from last year 1 week ago. Good luck.

great buck!!! congrats.

That is a great, great buck! Congrats.