"All right," I whispered to myself as I raised my rifle to get a better look at him through the scope. "It worked. He's coming this way."

Michael's 2005 non-typical had everything a dream buck could have: great mass, numerous points and a long drop tine. The buck grossed 192 4/8 non-typical and netted 183.

A SECOND TROPHY BUCK
Through the wonderful world of optics and magnification, I immediately saw forked tines and several kickers on the left side of his antlers. My view of the other side was still partially blocked by the patch of trees he was traversing. I impatiently followed him as he moved, gauging mass and estimating spread along the way. Both seemed amply present. Then at around 100 yards he finally cleared the row of trees, giving me a good look at the other side of his rack. My eyes widened and my mouth fell open. I stared in disbelief. He had a gnarly mess of antler on his right side, with a drop tine, to boot!

My heart began to pound so hard that I could hear and feel its rhythmic force in my ears and chest. All at once, everything in my world began to move in slow motion.

I instinctively eased the safety forward. My focus sharpened with intensity at his every step. Finding the first chance for a good shot was now paramount! The tension mounted as he continued to advance. I became numb and detached, hearing nothing around me but the hammering of my pulse. Enchanted, I watched in awe: The closer he got the better he looked. I had never even seen a non-typical in all of my years of hunting, much less a monster like this walking right toward me!

As he drew to within 20 yards of the doe, she cautiously began to ease away and retreat toward the trees. He continued his approach until he stood in the exact opening that she had occupied. When he reached that point, he stopped, quartered toward me at 60 yards, and offered a possible shot.

I moved the crosshairs from his left shoulder, across his chest, and then back to the same shoulder again. My mind raced as I debated about the best option for a clean shot. I quickly calculated the angle of the vitals, settled the crosshairs just behind the left shoulder, and sent the 180-grain bullet on its way.

The shot rang out, interrupting the tranquility of the woods. The buck's left front leg folded inward from the force of the impact. He stumbled, jumped in the air, and went down just out of sight. My mind, heart and breathing raced in unison at what felt like the speed of light. I hurriedly re-bolted another shell just in case a second shot was needed. Luckily it was not. I could hardly believe what had just happened and how quickly it all came about. I had taken two deer of a lifetime in consecutive years from the same stand!

I sat stunned for the second year in a row and once again gave thanks to the Lord above for this tremendous deer and for the experience of my second deer of a lifetime. When I finally made it to the spot where he lay, I knelt beside him and grabbed his antlers. I was overcome with surreal feelings of elation and disbelief. I was in the presence of greatness.

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