Great story. Smart move to wait it out so's you're not stinking up the area... you have will power, Hoss!
We have a runnin TON of those mule size "spike" bucks around where I hunt... they instituted the 3 point rule in PA, which for most areas is great help, givin the kids a chance to develop, but when you see 4 spikes together, starting with the fawn of the year with normal tiny spikes, then one 20% bigger in body and horn and it goes up to 140# hog deer with bladed 14" spikes... it "ain't" no yearling needing time to develop.
Each year, they breed and more and more are showing up. Branch antlers are almost a rarity beyond a forkie.
Game management works ONLY when it's "site specific" but how do they manage to do that with limited funds and personnel? They don't!
Reading that obviously pushed some buttons...
Great shot and deer! I too like sticking my LB limb in my boot when standing... Sweet!