I don't usually do the IKS game but I did manage to take my first bow buck in 7 years this morning. I hadn't had a good buck on cam in a few weeks but when i went to check it the other day there was about 10 fresh scrapes around my tree. I went in early today because i wanted to move over a little bit. But when i got up the tree i was covered up with limbs and felt very uneasy about it. I debated for 5 or 10 minutes and finally decided to climb back down and go to the original tree. At first light i had a nice 2yr old all around me. He worked his way off and s little later i had a beautiful 3 yr old come in. He finally saw a few does behind me and the chase was on. My legs were cramping from standing waiting on the two bucks to leave so i finally set down. After a couple minutes i heard walking in the direction the other buck left and figured he was coming back. I got a glimpse of antler and stood up. I could tell this buck was bigger and thought it was another buck i have been after at first. He got behind a tree at 20 yds and i drew back. He walked in to 15 yds and slightly quartering to. I then realized it wasn't the deer i thought but knew he was heavy and mature and i quit looking at the rack, picked a spot tucked close to his shoulder, and let it loose. I knew it was a good hit from the reaction. He jumped and ran about 50 yds and got wobbly. I thought he was going down but he made about three circles around a tree regained his composure and trotted off another 20 yds where i lost sight. I kept watching and finally after a couple minutes he fell. I thought ok he's down. Well he kept trying to get up but could only pick his head up. After about 10 minutes he put it down and didnt move. I thought he was dead but didnt wanna push it so i climbed down left my stand pulled my camera card and made a big loop back to my truck to go get my FIL who is in visiting. I wasn't sure he was as big as i wanted so i was conservative and told my wife and him he was a nice 8 i think. We went back out and walked up the trail and when i saw part of his rack i knew he was down. The closer i got the more excited i got cuz he was only the 2nd deer ive killed that got bigger when i found it. I confirmed the reason he didnt die right away. I made a great shot but do to the steep angle his guts plugged the exit and didnt allow him to bleed out fast. He is i assume a 5 to 6 yr old main frame 8 with a ton of mass and couple little stickers on his bases. Easily the heaviest racked buck I've killed. Good luck everyone.
