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Awesome story and pics!

Matt, you are too humble and honest - those first two shots you referred to as "missed", I might call "dialing in" - your dad would call "warning shots" You are a good sport like your dad, you like to warn them before putting them in the freezer ...proud uncle

Great buck, Great story , the guide wasn't too bad either ... proud uncle

They say memory is the second thing that goes.... I don't remember what the first thing is

121 2/8"

The absolute best part

Congratulations Tyler! You definately have the bug now, I love the last pic - that is one hugfull of STINK right there! When you get a little older, the trick with pigs is to: "not get any on ya" Everyone, you have to love his passion

Wow whacky! From the field to the freezer by yourself, that's how I taught my kids - you are decades ahead of most at sixteen! And that buck is one for the ages! Congrats and God bless!

They looked at me and said “um, YES”. BANG – WHOP, he’s hit and he’s hit good. You gotta love this! Congrats Zach!!! Dad said “no he’s in the mid 90’s.” But oh well he was mine. um, YES he is yours Zach... all yours. Many people hunt for years and do not see or take one as fine as that! The only thing better than your glassing and shooting is your persistence in talking dad into it Great job!

147 3/8"

Good job Michael! You showed alot of patience to get the right shot, Dad you are definately making memories to last a lifetime - and developing young men. It's a beautiful thing

I shoot 2 pellets of 50 gr. Pyrodex for simplicity, I get good enough groups and it is easy and I have the quick load capsules (red plastic holder for bullet/powder/primer) ready for hunting situations. If you want to mess with it you could probably get better with loose powder. Back when I bought mine, T/C had a FPS/Load chart in the back of the manual that showed 2 50 gr. pellets (100 gr.) of pyrodex at way faster than 100 gr. of loose powder - never understood that unless it is compressed more in pellet form? I know there are more modern/newer powder products out there that are probably better than pyrodex - I tried "Clean Shot" years ago and had a terrible experiece (it went haywire after a year of storage) after that I never felt like changing from pyrodex just because of my bad experience (I get consistancy year after year). Whenever I tried 3 pellets I lost my accuracy, but now there are different size pellets that you can try that might give you great accuracy over 100 gr ? Anyway, Me and my kids have taken elk, antelope, and deer all with 2 pellets - it works OK for me I just got tired of trying different stuff. As you are starting fresh, there are probably many on this site that can steer you with newer powders and loads, I am stubborn about the Powerbelts though, it only makes sense to actually have the bullet in direct contact with the rifling of the barrel - no plastic cup (sabot) will give you that! Good luck!

My first Elk I used a heavy bullet (over 400 grains) Since then I use the same bullet for Elk,Deer, and Antelope (approx. 300 or less). I would say find a load that is real accurate and consistant and stick with it. This will also allow you to have a bullet drop chart (even if it is only mental) and save a ton resighting in - etc.

RoughCut, way back when I got started I got an Encore because there was talk that the Game and Fish was going to change the reg's to crack down on modern muzzleloaders and I could switch barrels and not lose my investment - NOW that nothing has ever come of that and there are more options (that are less expensive) I would definately go for one of the simple break open types that are easy to clean and maintain (as long as someone could verify the accuracy). That being said I looked up the CVA Accura on their website - it looks like exactly the ticket (and they had a money back accuracy gaurantee?) - At that price I think you are spot on! Hopefully my next comment will not open a cans of worms (but I wish someone would have told me) - once you get your gun, save yourself a ton of money on bullet types and time sighting in - get some Powerbelts, sight in and go hunt. Later when you get started send me a PM and I will be glad to help.

I don't know if they have adopted a newer method, used to be they had to test the brain and needed the head. I don't know about the county you live in but in Pima County (Tucson) you could drop it off at the Animal Control Center and they sent it over to the University of Arizona and had results back within hours (no charge) - don't know if you can get your skull back or if it is intact (if you want to boil/beetle it). You could call the Animal Control in your County or the Game and Fish and ask questions. I think there is a time limit for the validity of the test unless the head is frozen? I hate it that you even have to consider it - it is a beautiful cat - Congrats.

I agree with dchamsr06, growling and stalking do not go together - not to scare you - I have just heard a lot about rabies lately.

Atta boy Jakob! Dad did pretty good too...

What a crew! Lots of help packing, or just sit down and eat it right there!

Congrats, good job at being patient - it definately paid off

I have not hunted 36C for several years now, but have heard about a lot of Lion sightings... they definatety could be a factor

I saw one down south one year that had a regular 4 point rack on his right and a beam that went down his face on his left, I have not seen one before or after that until your pic.

Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them Psalm 127:3-5a Congratulations! (I have 5 myself)

"A picture is worth a thousand words" Congratulations! and thank God for Elk meat

Just think, God made that buck for you! What an amazing buck and story, 127 3/8 is not bad either (I don't do net score - I figure if God put it there, count it!) Thank God for good friends!