Markleo21377 Report post Posted September 9 The hunting community is truly filled with so many incredible people and it has afforded me the privilege of meeting so many people through random circumstances that have become some of my closest friends! Six years ago, I had filled my muzzleloader bull elk tag and stopped by a camp to inquire how they were doing. Met two gentlemen, and helped them kill a giant 366” bull the very next day. Bryan, originally from here and now residing in Colorado became a friend that I talk to a half dozen times a year swapping stories and talking about our next adventure. In April he reached out to me and mentioned his 71 year old buddy Gino had drawn an antelope tag after applying 27 years. He had a conflict so asked if I would help him on his hunt. I was thrilled for the opportunity, talked to Gino on the phone to understand his expectations, and told him I would meet him day before opener to put together a hit list. This is where it gets interesting…I found 3 bucks that would go between 74-78” and took lots of video of each. I showed Gino and we ranked them by his preference. 1st choice was a heavy old buck that had a busted back leg. Must have been hit by a car chasing does. He was in rough shape and I told Gino only way he will make it is if he could avoid the plentiful coyotes in the area. Opening morning as it became light I immediately saw 4 coyotes in the area and no buck. My suspicions were confirmed when I found a clean carcass with just the neck and head remaining in tact. Buck #1 IMG_6871.mov We quickly moved about 5 miles away to the location of buck #2. He was a beautiful buck with long cutters and good mass. We arrived just in time to witness a hunter anchoring him in his place 1/2 mile away. Buck #2 IMG_6897.mov We moved on confident that due to the rolling terrain where buck #3 was living he may have gone unnoticed. When we arrived it didn’t take long to find him with his 14 does. A deep drainage allowed us to sneak unnoticed into 200 yards and Gino anchored him! What an adrenaline filled morning and it ended with a buck of a lifetime for Gino and a new friendship for life! IMG_6938.mov 22 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RJ75 Report post Posted September 9 Great buck! Congrats! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Couzer Report post Posted September 9 Those coyotes are no joke, I always down them if the opportunity arises. Great buck, and good job helping your buddy! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yotebuster Report post Posted September 9 Very cool! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigbuckfever Report post Posted September 9 That's awesome. Twenty seven years is a long time to wait 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RNGRDOG Report post Posted September 9 Nice! Great job! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chef Report post Posted September 9 Just awesome! Gino won the lottery and I'm certain he was greatly appreciative. I loved hearing his questions in the vids too. He was just so excited. Congrats on a successful hunt. Sorry to see the coyotes got your #1 buck. Did AZGFD let you keep him? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flatlander Report post Posted September 9 Buck #3 has the best look anyway, congrats on a fun hunt! 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bonecollector Report post Posted September 9 Awesome job on helping your new buddy. Coyotes made quick work of that buck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Coach Report post Posted September 9 Great job. That's a cool looking buck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AzDiamondHeat Report post Posted September 9 Well done and great story. Some of my best hunting friends came from random campsite meetings just like yours. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
