Having lost his best friend and lifelong hunting companion -- his dad -- in July 2004, Rick Dornon of Glenford, Ohio struggled with the idea of even going hunting that fall. But knowing his dad would want him to be in the woods, Rick decided to go. A week before gun season was slated to open, Rick found himself bowhunting on the same farm he and his father frequently had hunted.

A big 12-pointer with a drop tine had been seen by Rick's son. The deer had also been seen and missed by several other hunters. Rick never saw the big 12, but he did miss a nice 8-pointer because of a deflected arrow.

Later, on opening morning of shotgun season, Rick found himself sitting in his dad's favorite stand on the same property. About mid-morning, he encountered the huge 12-pointer that everyone had been talking about and he was able to make a good shot on the buck with a well-placed Winchester slug.

The 6x6 typical had a 21-inch inside spread and a four-inch drop tine. The buck grossed 151 7/8, and was definitely Rick's best buck ever! "With everything that had happened, I had to believe my dad was with me that day!" Rick said.

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