Friend is in New Zealand!

[Bear Heart]

Wow! Congrats.

[John Havard]

Scott,

I know you won't say without being prodded to do so, but where in the scheme of things does a score of 439 and change for a red stag rank in the record books?

[Macca]

Congrats Friend, great blow by blow account, what a cracker of a stag.    

[BuckeyeGuy]

Great hunt and good shooting bud!  Congratulations on the hunt of a lifetime!!!

[Cladinator]

Your adventure is like a chapter out of E. Donnall Thomas' Have Bow, Will Travel: Around the World Adventure with Longbow and Recurve.

I can't get over the size of that majestic stag.

Great story and congratulations.

[Friend]

John…have received several inquiries regarding this resplendent stag.

Frankly…I adamantly prefer to maintain a low profile and won’t pursue any record qualifications unless it truly aids someone in need.

Your inquiry elicits more honor than deserved and is indeed appreciated; however this unusual harvest was hardly a direct result of my own personal skills.

This rare opportunity presented itself, by some unascertained deduction, within the presence of momentary preparedness.

The regal stag does warrant a commendation, not me, as separating the two is often quite complicated. I already have my reward.

[glenbo]

That is quite an impressive stag Scott. Congratulations

[Fattony77]

Friend, again, a fantastic hunt and animal! And a big thank you for sharing, despite your modesty and humble nature.

I have to disagree with you on one point though. I believe it IS a personal skill to find the right people to connect with to put yourself in the right situation for the grand opportunity, and then to pull yourself together enough to execute an ethical shot while at your physical limits' edge. Give yourself some credit! You deserve it!

Also, you might consider that entering your trophy into the record books is not necessarily an act of vanity, but also a wonderful advertisement for the outfitters that you speak so highly of.

Just some food for thought.

Again, a heartfelt and hearty congratulations to you and those who helped you to achieve your dream!

[kwc]

wow! what a hunt,what a story, what a great adventure. A lifetime of memories, thanks for shearing them with all of us.

[killinstuff]

Rather amazing an animal can grow that much bone out of its head in 3 or 4 months. I'm not much for the word trophy as applied to animals killed, that's just an incredible beast. You are very fortunate.  Congrads.

[Green]

Congratulations on the culmination of your 7 year quest.  An absolutely beautiful Stag, and your field notes are more well written than many folks classic works.  

I agree with Fattony's position....there was an incredible amount of skill and planning to get you to that shot....kudos for being physically and mentally prepared to capitalize.    

[Knawbone]

Originally posted by Fattony77:
[QB] Friend, again, a fantastic hunt and animal! And a big thank you for sharing, despite your modesty and humble nature.

I have to disagree with you on one point though. I believe it IS a personal skill to find the right people to connect with to put yourself in the right situation for the grand opportunity, and then to pull yourself together enough to execute an ethical shot while at your physical limits' edge. Give yourself some credit! You deserve it!


   He took the words right out of my typing fingers! You should feel very proud as well as thankful for the success of such an awe inspiring hunt. Your patients,practice and hard work can not go unnoticed. Fantastic stag Friend.......Simply WOW!     Congratulations and thanks so much for sharing your adventure with us.  

[Beaneye]

Congratulations to my friend... Great job

[limbolt]

Exceptional!!! Congrats on a fine,fine animal and a job well done.Thanks for sharing.      

[habujohn]

There are no more adjectives to add to this post, you did great!  Congratulations on a spectacular animal.

[coaster500]

Scott what an exceptional animal and effort...  Congratulations!!!  

Well done !!!

[JJ1956]

Great stag thanks for taking us along. Were you able to bring the meat home? Is it similar to elk in taste?

[elkken]

Living the dream .... truly an awesome animal.

Congratulations on your fine adventure, well told !

[dhermon85]

Is no one gonna ask how he tasted ????
That probably was one heck of a backstrap eh Friend?!!

Great story, good job!

[Friend]

The red deer were introduced to New Zealand over 150 years prior. Deer farming for meat is quite popular in NZ. These animals are grazers and basically have the same diet as cattle. Last year at a local Wild Game Banquet, the red deer was the stand- out that ended up pleasing many a palette. I have had the pleasure to dine on red stag five times now. It is easily my favored deer table fair as compared to whitetail, elk and moose. Absolutely no wild taste, as if you hadn’t heard that one before. Looks and, tastes quite similar to a fine sirloin.