I will get to the tail in a second but first there is the issue of Javalina. I sure enjoy Javalina hunting even though they smell a bit like a skunk with a bad bacteria issue. They are made for bowhunting though.  

During my travels one morning I glassed up a heard of Javalina crossing a road below where I was positioned. It was rather late and warm for them to be up running around. I watched as one of the bigest in the group found his was to a juniper bushed and burried in for a days nap.

I had a little time and decided I had not seen a javi that big ever and I was going to try for a stalk. I got the wind right and closed the gap down to about five feet. I drew slow and released. He never got up. This javi was huge. Weight likely in the 60lbs area. Was pretty fun. This picture does a horrible job of showing his size.  

 

I went to Texas again to guide some hunts and spend some time with my good friend Aram. Before the work started I had a little time to hunt for myself. I sat a few blinds with feeders and water and found a great buck I and my heart was set on him in a way.  

A few pictures from the blinds
 

 

 

 

Pardon the ligthing issues. These were all taken with my phone because my big camera is to loud in the blind. I was only able to hunt whitetail but i learned a lot about mule deer during this hunt.

Well after I saw this good buck the first time I was determined to return until I could close the deal. Taking one morning off to hunt another blind I returned each night to where I had seen him.  

The second time I sat the blind a big bodied medium antlered mule deer buck kept running him off of the feeder and the water. At one point he was about 20 yards out and I took the oppertunity. Missing right over his back. I was sick.  He never left the area and continued to run does.

Just before dark I had a doe at less than ten yards and made good on the oppertunity. My confidence boosted slightly I was ready to return.

On the third trip there I knew I had to keep the dominate mule deer off of the feeder. I was sucessful and at almost the exat same time as the previous night he returned hot on the trail of a doe.  

As the played the love game all around for nearly a half hour I was wondering if I woudl ever get a chance.  Finnally the doe went to water and the buck stopped to eat a bite from the feeder. I had to draw slow but my shot connected. I hit to far forward I felt but the buck went down instantly. I knew he was not spined and without a though or hesitation I nocked another arrow and made a solid shot through the lungs. He got to his feet and bolted. 200 yards later I found him.  A crazy hunt to say the least.

Nice deer. I always enjoy reading your posts.

Congrats Randy,2 nice trophies!

Congrats Buddy!!!!  

         Outstanding!!!

Congratulations Randy! That's a beautiful buck for a very deserving individual. Nice early Christmas present, I'd say.

Nice buck! Nice javi too!

Congrats!

   

Dandy buck!

           

Congrats on a great buck!!    

congrats very nice  

Looks like you are having too much fun, Randy. Better get back to FE Warren!

Great hunt!!

COngrats, buddy!  Nice Texas buck for sure!

Nice Randy.  He looks like a big bodied deer for Texas!!  The rack speaks for itself. What a Toad.

5 feet???? That's awesome       .  Nice buck too.  

Thanks for sharing, great stalk on the Javi, good shooten on the buck.

Great job bud!!