How did Barry and Gene do this hunting season? Were they successful? This was probably posted earlier and I either didn’t see it or I forgot. Lol Thanks.

I just saw this so will answer it myself. First off, Gene didn't get to hunt much since his wife has Alzheimer's disease and he is her primary caretaker. He only got to hunt a couple days but still "has it" because he got a beautiful big, mature, heavy 4x4. The photos don't do it justice but he measured in the mid- 150 inches.

I had a great fall but admittedly messed up. The season before last (2017) I killed a Booner in October, so was basically tagged out for the entire rut. I'm getting too old not to have a tag in my pocket all of November. So in 2018 I vowed not to shoot one until at least the middle of November. It was fun but tough. About Nov. 3rd this giant stud walked by. At 14 yds. he stood broadside right in my shooting lane and looked the other way. I now regret not killing him right then. He was very unique in that he had two antlers on his left side and one big antler on his right. His body was also enormous. The heaviest one I ever killed and weighed dressed 248 lbs. and this one was considerably heavier. I just foolishly didn't want to tag out that early in the season. I simply love the hunt. As he walked away I realized I really messed up. A minute after he was gone I decided if I was given another good shot I'd go ahead and take him. Two days later in another stand here he came again. But I was heartbroken when I saw he'd broken off five major tines on his left side. I let walk by again at 15 yds. Then to make matters worse, a few days later at a third different stand here he came again. Again at 15 yds. this time he'd broken four more tines off his right side. He was obviously a fighter losing nine total tines since my first opportunity. The good news is he made it through the season as far as I know. I THINK because I let him walk three times he thinks we're friends. Let him try that again this fall.

I'm also disappointed in the fact two other monster bucks I was planning to hunt this fall were both found dead. Both were 4.5 yr. olds. The one I had passed up in 2017 as a 3.5. At 4.5 he was a 6x5 but blew up to be 25 inches wide. We found him dead likely a late season neighboring gun loss, as he was fat and healthy after the second gun season. I don't think it was coyotes because the bones weren't scattered enough. The other was a big 4.5 yr. old non-typical. We nick-named him High Five because he had five brow tines over eight inches each. The potential is unreal when you have over a yard just in brow tine inches. I honestly think he would have been one of those giant 250 inchers in a couple years. Oh, by the way, his left base circumference was 10" and right was over 8". What a shame he was found dead of unknown causes. It happens but there's not much you can do about it. The good news is there always seems to be another giant young stud that pops up every summer to dream about for next season. Best of luck guys. BW

"...he'll think we're friends".

Funny.

Thanks for the 2018 season report Barry. Yes, I think you have found a "friend", but he should not pose at 15 yards, broadside, and looking the other way this fall, as I don't think you can be trusted!! Just finished your "Out and About" DVDs, so imagine you are "fine tuning" some of your set-ups, but sounds like you already have THREE spots in the right places? Sorry to hear of Gene's wife's medical problems, will keep her in my thoughts. Be careful out there.

Life goes on Barry, Prayers to Gene’s wife. Take care , you two are big buck magnets.

Will keep prayers for Gene and his wife.

Thanks for the great stories,really enjoy your hunts.My best thoughts and prayers for Gene his wife and your family.I know the feeling,I took care of my dad.

Sometimes they just up and die of fright when they hear a rumor that there's a Wensel in the woods!

Prayers sent from the Pine Barrens of south Jersey for Gene and his wife.

Thanks for the update! Prayers for Gene and his wife.

Thanks for the update! Prayers for Gene and his wife.

I am so sorry to hear about his wife Barry. That is an awful disease.

So sorry to hear about Gene's wife. Alzheimer's is a terrible disease, my dad had it. I'll keep them in my prayers.

Hope you guys get a few days to hunt together this season & best of luck!

Prayers sent I wish them the best.

Tundra

So sorry to hear about Gene's wife, I am going though the same thing, Prayer's sent.

If you have already registered, please

sign in now

For new registrations

Click Here