Getting a buck like this in that area of the state is a dream come true…something I have been trying to accomplish since 1991. One of my sons and my dad were able to share in the experience. I’m so thankful that we started a U.P. deer camp 15 years ago. The wind was blasting at a steady 20mph from the north so I had my right window closed. I saw a deer go into the pines early, then later a small 4pt came by 5yd from the blind on my right side and went into pines. I saw another deer just after 9:00am go into pines from the west. A few minutes later a BIG BUCK came out of the east side of pines and was MOVING! I couldn’t get the right window open and that’s when the panic button got pushed…so I went out the door. I grunted…BAAAAH…he did not stop running. I lined up on his brisket and fired. Nothing. Fired again. He was angling SE and going behind brush piles. I ran up the hill 20-30 yards and as he came into view in the next opening I told myself to lead more. I led by about 12″ and fired…he turned west. I grunted again…yelled…he wouldn’t stop. With 4 cartridges in the magazine, I told myself this was my last chance…I led by 12″ and squeeeeeeeeeezed. He slowed some and turned south. I grabbed another cartridge out of my right pocket and shoved it into the magazine. This was my last chance. I dropped to one knee and closed the bolt as he slowed. Just as the shot was about to break, he stopped on the edge of the field inside some brush. The only open shot I had was at his right hip area. I squeezed and he dropped. I loaded 2 more and walked across the field and found him. 3/5 shots hit with the last 155yd shot angled forward through the vitals. A 24″ lead would have been appropriate. I never thought I would find myself taking offhand shots at a running deer. Once the opportunity presented itself, I went on autopilot and focused on hitting my target. When I walked up on him he was bigger than I thought. I’m very grateful that for whatever reason, I was given this opportunity.