Whew! Big day. My oldest finished the hunter safety training course today. Three day ordeal that we're both glad is behind us. Now he can get his license <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> This afternoon, went with my dad to fix a tree stand in a field he has damage permits in. I suggested we take along a rifle "just in case." it was about 2 when we got out. I brought my Marlin XLR 30-30 (there was a little light rain when we left and I wanted something stainless). Glassed the field and saw a HUGE 10 point bedded down in the soy beans. Had to let him walk since the damage permits are antlerless only. Another buck walked too. Got to the stand and I continued up around the edge of the field. Rounded a corner and saw two bedded down just staring at me at about 50 yards (maybe a bit longer). Dropped a cross hairs on the first, saw it was antlerless, adreneline started flowing, pulled the trigger and missed. Stupid deer just stared at me. The first one got up and started slowly walking toward the woods. Got a second round off and dropped it where it stood. The other deer ran off into the woods. Found my critter--nasty mess. Took the top of its head clean off just below the base of the brain. Threw some ice on it and off to the class. Came back and skinned and quartered it. Plan to smoke the hind quarters in the next day or two. Mmmmmmmm.....