It took 17 years for Mike Klarich of Cottage Grove, Minnesota to catch up with his dream buck, but he finally did it last year during archery season. " I saw him at 60 yards running up the saddle I was hunting in," Mike said. "I knew he was a shooter right away. He lumbered up the trail with his head and huge antlers bobbing from side to side.
By the time I turned to take my bow off the hook he was coming down my trail. I thought I was going to have to stop him for a shot as I drew my bow but he suddenly stopped right in front of me. I settled my 20-yard pin on him and sent an arrow through both lungs. He took off and a few moments later I heard him crash. I hung up my bow and put both hands on the tree to steady myself and then I gave thanks for having had such an incredible opportunity."
About an hour and a half later, Mike recovered his great trophy with his friend Ray and his son Drew. When he reached the buck it was an emotional moment. "I didn't really know how big he was until just then," Mike said. "All those years of hunting and finally a buck I'll probably never surpass. All I could say was 'Wow!' Then Ray and my son hugged me at the same time while my wife Kelly took a bunch of pictures." Mike's huge 4x4 grossed 171 6/8 and netted 164 2/8.
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