mc68

Wow!! that's definitely a good one.....

Didn't see that but was in Springerville on Friday at Rustys meat shop and a G&F officer brought in a young cow that had been shot that morning! I asked him how in the world people could mistake a cow for a bull, and he told me that I would be amazed at how often it happens. I just don't know how you could make that mistake....

I know a lot about it. I know its an awesome looking buck and I know I would like to find one just like him on the archery hunt!!! Sorry for the smart a++ comment. Just messin around. Cool buck.

I'm quite sure that's him...kind of bittersweet for me. Watched him rutting and was pretty sure he made it through archery season. Was hoping to find him after he left the cows but couldn't. No doubt I think its him though. Congratulations to your friend on a remarkable bull.

Got to meet the family of the lucky lady, and they were not only super excited still about your great buck but they were just some great people to talk to. Nice when good things happen to good people. Again, congratulations on the buck of a lifetime.

I really like the frame on that buck and his dark horns. Very cool deer. Looks like he had some weight to him too! Big time congrats bud.

That last line was supposed to say Shaq.

I appreciate that you didn't take offense and I am certainly not an expert on the subject of hybrids. To answer your question though, I have indeed seen many does that wouldn't flag. In fact, when they are running in groups, some may flag while others do not. I have no idea other than my own belief that some of these deer have evolved if you will, to understanding that sometimes the flag actually draws unwanted attention. In your picture on this post the doe does appear quite large, and who knows maybe she is crossed. It is definitely my strong belief though that this does not occur very often in the wild. In my hunting career, the majority of the country I hunt, both species can be found. I have very very rarely seen many of them that I felt were a cross. I'm not saying it doesn't happen, just think its quite rare. Seen many whitetail standing side by side that had varying shades of coats and even different colors on the back of their tails( usually darker almost black looking). Also seen some mulies that looked kinda odd but did not suspect hybrid traits. I just think that sometimes an animal comes out a little "special". Heck every species has big old freaks, take Shaw for instance....by the way I do like your pictures and I hope you keep posting them!

I will agree that is an awful big whitetail, however I really think you need to change your thought that a whitetail will usually flag when running away. I have seen on a couple different posts where you have made this statement and suggest that this is a hybrid trait. I humbly disagree with you on this. In fact, most of the bigger bucks I see will not flag very often at all when spooked. I believe that as they mature a lot of them seem to quit flagging for some reason. Not meaning at all to start a fuss here, just passing on what I have witnessed over the years...

I just would like to wish all a safe and Happy Thanksgiving. This is my favorite holiday of the year...enjoy.

Big enough in most units....

OMG!!!!!! PLEASE oh please Lord, let me draw a strip tag in the near future. I want so bad to get to hunt an area where you may get a chance at a monster buck like this one. Its got to be such an amazing experience to be in the same country where this kind of critter lives!! Nice job.

The unit has been in decline for years due to drought it seems. Used to be an amazing hunt, especially during the late archery hunt. Obviously there are still some pockets of deer here and there, but having lived in this area for 45 years I promise you it is nowhere even close to what it used to be. Sorry I dont have better news for you...

You are obviously a very very lucky guy!! Not only do you have a great looking late archery bull there, but you have an even more impressive looking family there! Your wife must be an angel to let you keep hunting with all your youngens at home! Great job!

Well everyone else has posted so its only right that I do...from what I see you have accomplished two incredible things here. First of all you shot an absolutely beautiful coues buck. He really is unique and special. Secondly, and almost as impressive, is you have most of the people posting actually saying your buck is BIGGER than it scored!! Now that is quite a remarkable thing believe me! In all seriousness though, you really do have a very special trophy there. Big time congratulations.

People please don't listen to this idiot. He does not know what he's talking about. Could have guessed this kind of shi* would have gotten started but the buck is legal in every way. He did not cross any lines. heck if had done something wrong you think he would contact Amanda to post and score. No surprise that so many people have quit this site.

I got to see this buck in person and believe me the pics don't tell the whole story. This buck is a hog. As far as I know it is probably the biggest buck to come out of this unit in a few whole lot of years, possibly ever. The buck is one that you would swear comes from the North country. The mass is amazing and it has everything else you would want too. Its a legit monster buck. Guess he needs to learn the art of standing 10 feet away to make a 140" buck look like a world record....

Well I know that little guy is smiling big all the time now, just like he was in that picture. I'm sure that he is really proud of his Dad for his great deer. Im sure he shared in the excitement. Very happy that you were able to have such a successful hunt.

Hey all, I have put a ton of thought into this and would like to get some feedback from others on this subject. At what age, or at what point in a youth's hunting career should we as parents and mentors allow kids to start " trophy hunting"? The reason I ask is because I have kids at hunting age, and I have found myself wrestling with the thought of letting them shoot the first legal animal they have an opportunity at. After alot of reflection and digging into old photos I have come to the conclusion that, for me, I think it should be for the adventure of the hunt and not at all about the size of the animal during the first 5+ years of their hunting career. I remember my first deer was a Forky coues buck, and he may as well have been a World Record. The funny thing is, I can't remember the first " good" buck I shot...All of that being said, I wonder if I am in the Minority here, or if I should push them to challenge themselves to only shoot larger animals? Please give your thought and understand this is not at all a challenge to anyone else's choices. Thanks.

The smile on that young mans face is priceless...great job to all involved!

I just hope the anti's don't use these sightings as a tool to shut the Santa Ritas down because they are now "critical habitat" for it...

I really hope you have that picture blown up and framed because its AWESOME!!! You are going to look back on that one years down the road and its going to put a big smile on your face. I can still remember going out deer hinting when I was a kid and those are without a doubt some of my most cherished memories of childhood. Super cool bud.

A family that hunts together, stays together. Doesn't get any better than that bud. Awesome.

You are right, its been so hot for hunting but way to get it done in spite of it. Congrats.

Awesome bucks and good to see hard work rewarded.