Was up in a XOP saddle stand in a pine tree, Buck came in about 7:10 am from a direction that I never expected nor seen any deer come from. Just got done thinking that I’m not sure why I keep checking that direction cause I’ve never seen anything come from that direction and just happen to look over and there he stood. He was stopped about 35 yards to my right. Stood there and smelled the area before moving forward and jumping a creek that was right beside my stand. Once he jumped the creek he walked away from me until I lost sight of him, appeared that he was making a loop to try and get make the smell and area was clear. He stepped out into an opening between two oak trees munching on some acorns. Standing there quartered to me facing away from me I thought if I don’t try and get him there that he may step back out of sight so I drew back on my older model Matthew’s solo cam compound and tried to aim just a little back so the arrow would still penetrate lung. Released the arrow and smoked him, in my eyes perfect placement for the position he presented me. Always hope and pray for a good and quick lethal shot, and he ran about 40-50 yards before falling over and expiring. Was my first year attempting bow hunting, also my first buck ever harvested. Couldn’t be more blessed and happy with the turnout and with such a mature buck.
Hunter’s name: Dylan Davis
Mayodan North Carolina
Rockingham County NC
9/20/25
7-point buck
