Thanks, Tarz!! You do pen a good yarn. Felt like I was right there!
While the buck is a "keeper" for its unique character, the real "trophy" may just be having reached that mature hunter point where you can step outa your hustle-bustle life so quickly and slip into "ultimate predator" mode!
Being able to "slow down" and become one with your instincts, recognizing those gut feelings and then having the maturity to heed them...
...dang, Hoss, that is the real trophy in this hunt IMHO. Excellent!
I remember walking into strange country as a much younger man and having that "sense" take over...now I fear I have "learned" enough that I try to "assess" versus "sense."
I'm a poorer man for it. My best congrats on going with your gut and having such a magnificant experience!