Here's a pic of son-in-law, Matt, following a GREAT walk-about (hunt) for mule deer, which took place at THE RANCH, where we were privileged, once again, to roam for the better part of two weeks. During the previous days, Matt had opted to pass on several smaller bucks and one, which was probably about as good, but which sported a full 4x4 rack. Two other [possibly larger] bucks, were able to get away without being either well enough oogled or, fired upon . . . that's huntin'! ON this hunt, we saw several smaller bucks and a couple of antlerless deer - and, I was able to 'film' most of the best action! :) When called upon, Matt exercised good judgement and executed flawlessly - for him, "school's out!" ;)
This particular buck was attempting to sneak back between the two primary draws, down which Joe and Matt had agreed to hunt - I took the easier 'middle ridge' and kept the digital camrea recording - well most of the time! ;) Regrettably, prior to being pronounced dead, this buck did not expose himself to the video camera - but, his pal did! :)
Matt used the 700 Remington based .257IdiotMag , featuring a PacNor 1:10" twist barrel, which I had presented to him, as a gift, earlier in the year. The bullet was the new 110 BIB BT, featuring a 3% antinony/1% tin core: this load, chronographed at 3530 FPS @ 15' from the muzzle. Except that the bullet failed to exit, performance was ECXELLENT: perimeter blood shotting was minimal, but vital organ damage was extensive. This was the first time I have observed a heart completely severed from the aorta - upon field-dressing, the heart was found 'floating' in the chest cavity, completely disconnectedfrom arteries, vessals and connective tissue. Due to time constraints and policy at the local locker, we were unable to recover the bullet, which also broke the off-side shoulder. After taking the shot, this deer made two bounds and called it quits. The range was 168 yards - Matt ffired from an obscured rock-pile: as viewed, just to the right of the one visible in the background - this view made the best pic.