Found my target buck dead
 

Went out shed hunting a few days ago and caught a glimpse of a pile of deer hair. Curious I went and checked it out and what I found about made my heart fall into my stomach.

I had this buck on my trail cam for most of the season and last time I had him on camera was well after rifle season so I was excited he survived! It stinks he didnt make it, meat was still very fresh on the carcass so I assume it was just a tough winter for him.

Rough scored him at 154 2/8.....any guess on age?


Trail Cam

WOW. Shame that HE didn't make it.....Atleast you have the rack right?

BB

Thats a crazy shed story right there.......

I don't think a deer like that (in it's prime) died of natural causes, i would suspect an archer, or a poacher. I am sure glad you were rewarded with the antlers. Do a European mt and post some pictures. Should make a wonderful memory. Doc

I'm guessing 4 1/2 or 5 1/2. You can always get a taxidermist to put another cape on him if you want it mounted.

That sucks!! I feel for you!!

Say - I noticed on your pics it appears that buck has a growth on his brisket!

To me it looks like a tumor (the lunp) I see occasionaly on dogs.

JW

Bucks will rut themselves almost to death, fight till they are hurt and can't get well enough to live through winter. Happens all the ime up north.

I noticed that bump on his chest too. COuld that possibly have anything to do with it? to bad you couldn't get him, but at least you got a good piece to remember him by, heck of a buck
-Jake

Yeah it is hard to say what happened to him. Some factors would be proximity to roads and other hunters. It was a very tough winter. Don't think you guys got the 6 inches of sleet/ice that we had up here, under another 6 in of snow.

I would say 5.5 yrs., maybe 4.5