azcouesfanatic Report post Posted November 16, 2014 I have been pretty fortunate over the years to have some truly amazing tags in Arizona. One place I had never hunted was the Arizona Strip. I had heard the rumors of low deer density and how difficult it was to even find deer but the challenge did not stop me from applying. Being the hunting nut that I am I handle all the applications in the family. This is a pretty tall task to say the least because I typically apply for over 15 people. When AZGFD starting hitting cards I new that someone had drawn a strip tag. It was either my dad or myself who had pulled this once in a lifetime tag. Selfishly I was hoping I drew but either way it did not matter. Before the results were even posted I called Brec Bundy of Mule Deer Addiction Outfitters (MDA) and told him the good news. Knowing this was a once in a lifetime tag we were going to hunt with Brec. Brec was born and raised in St. George, Utah and he has grown up hunting the Arizona Strip. Besides his vast knowledge of the country he is a truly great guy who is easy going and up front. When the results were posted it was dad who drew the tag and I was very excited. My dad is an elk nut and he enjoys mule deer but I am not sure he was nearly as excited as I was. The months leading up to the hunt were filled with trail camera pictures of giants bucks. The decision was made to hunt one particular buck that had eluded hunters for the past two seasons. This buck proved to be very difficult to even get a look at even though we knew he was there. After pursuing this buck for 7 days it was decided to hunt a different buck that was truly impressive. We managed to turn up this amazing buck the second day of our pursuit and dad made a very difficult 507 yard shot. As we walked up the buck he turned out to be way bigger than initially expected. The buck ended up grossing 228 3/8" and is by far the most impressive deer I have ever seen. I would like to give a special thanks to Brec Bundy, Hans Nisson, Andy, Brett, and Jeff for their assistance on the hunt. Each of you played an integral roll in the outcome of this hunt. I would also like to thank the pack crew that volunteered to help us pack my dads buck out of a pretty deep hole. I had never met those of you who assisted in the recovery of the deer and to say I was impressed with your professionalism would be an understatement. This was a classic example of why I hunt and it proved to me that hunter ethics are still strong. Thank You 12 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
5guyshunting Report post Posted November 16, 2014 Congrats thats a pretty buck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Flatlander Report post Posted November 16, 2014 Awesome buck! And that does look like one heck of a hole he was in. I didn't know places like that even existed on the Strip. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Elkaddict Report post Posted November 16, 2014 Gorgeous buck! Congrats! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Redman Report post Posted November 16, 2014 wow, nice buck your dad took Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
soccerstar2013 Report post Posted November 16, 2014 Awesome Buck! Congrats to your Father! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shanehamblin Report post Posted November 16, 2014 That deer is huge. Congrats!!! Special hunt with your dad. The profile pic is awesome!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
psebowhunter Report post Posted November 16, 2014 Congrats Skip ! Great deer Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZ8 Report post Posted November 16, 2014 Great buck. Nothing like a big muley! Congrats to your dad. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AZHUNTN Report post Posted November 17, 2014 Congrats to you and your Dad, what a good solid buck. Good luck in all your future hunts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lancetkenyon Report post Posted November 17, 2014 Absolute toad of a buck. Great mass, deep forks, and some extra character. I would not have passed this guy on opening morning on the strip. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
randyolson Report post Posted November 20, 2014 Very nice!! Awesome buck!! Congrats! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
az_shooter Report post Posted November 20, 2014 Toad, congrats. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mocha1545 Report post Posted November 20, 2014 Congrats on a GREAT Buck. That was a nice shot! Way to go Dad! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lucky2hunt Report post Posted November 20, 2014 That's what dreams are made of! Congrats to you and your dad on an amazing hunt and a spectacular buck!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites