I had another hunt scheduled but had to change my plans, luckily Art Rios at the Antler Hunt Ranch was able to accommodate me on short notice for a hunt. I arrived on Friday and after reviewing trail cam pix we went into Ballinger for a great meal at Beefmaster, we then headed back to get some sleep. Of course I did not sleep much "never do the night before a hunt". We were up at 0500 and after a short ride in the Polaris and a brisk 1/4 mile walk on a cold morning were in the ground blind an hour before sunrise. Before shooting light deer started moving and we could barely make them out. 20 minutes before sunrise a great 9 point came in, but we could not move because of a doe right by the blind. The doe finally had enough and the deer started leaving quick, Art told me if I had a shot to take it. Luckily the buck turned and gave me the broadside shot and I dropped him in his tracks with my .243 100 grain Sierra pro-hunters. After hand shakes and pictures we loaded him up and took him into Owen's game processing in Ballinger. We then headed back for an enjoyable afternoon eating venison burgers and watching a video of an African Safari that one of the guides got to go on. At about 1530 we headed back out for the evening hunt to try to get me a doe for the freezer. After maybe 10 minutes in the blind 2 does walked into the food plot and I dropped one in her tracks. This is my second hunt on the Antler Hunt Ranch and I cannot say enough good things about the operation. The management on this ranch produces quality deer in great shape. We saw many young bucks including a stud of a 10 point that was still young. Art and the other guide I meet Wayne are great guys that are very knowledgeable about Whitetail, and will make sure you have a fun and successful hunt. I also want to put in a plug for Owens processing in Ballinger, they skinned and quartered both my deer and got them ready for me to take back home for 30 dollars a deer. They are friendly and got my deer done quick as I was heading back home the next day. I hope I can get back some day and see if I can't get I chance at that ten point. Not being very patient I did my own Euro when I got back to New Mexico, not very hard to do but a bit smelly.

I like the Euro on the rough board. Really nice look.

Definitely looks great!

Thanks for the comments about the Euro. What I did was take a well weathered fence picket, randomly cut 2 pieces about 16 inches long and burn the ends with a propane torch. Then wire brush to remove the part that is really burned and then added a back piece to join them. Good evening project.

very nice sir

Looks great Gary, glad to have ya back, Have a great holiday season

Great story and buck!

Congrats on a nice buck.

Sure does. Congrats on a great buck