Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Deer Hunting Drought Bucks in Texas

Seriously, after chasing mule deer here for a couple of weeks during prime time, it appears the 4.5" of rain this year put a damper on the big buck production. I was talking to my AZ buddy about this and he says much the same, an extimated 10% antler growth decline and I'd agree.

Anyway, it never ceases to be fun. I helped my buddy stalk and kill this nice buck at 248 yds with a .280 and nosler partition bullets, topped with a Leupy VX3 (egads!)




A few days later we found this buck pushing some does around about 3/4 of a mile away. We were in an area of low brushy draws, little elevation, but we saw the direction they were headed and were able to "cut them off" so to speak. Made the 398 yd shot sitting off of sticks with the T3X, 139 Scenars, and a 4-18x LRHSi. Love the combo, and the scenars I've used so far have been serious performers.......bullet sized hole in and quarter size exit.....perfect. I've got another tag and my son is coming to town. Hopefully we can find one of the big 'uns.

Nice bucks, JGRaider!

Congrats on the great bucks JG

Well JG they look pretty damn big to me. I am anxious to see the "big" ones
Mb

Great job man.....

Beautiful bucks and great photos....

I'd take those drought bucks anytime!

Congrats - and good luck in your additional quest.

JG, congrats on a really nice buck. I just bought a Christensen Arms Mesa 6.5 CM and ordered some OTM 123 and 139 gr Scenars to try in it. I guess you were using the OTM 139 Scenar? I don't see them advertised as a hunting bullet, but everyone that I talk to who handloads and hunts with a 6.5 is using the Scenar and raves about how they preform. What caliber was you using if you don't care if I ask and if Creedmoor, mind sharing what powder you are using. I haven't loaded anything yet and always appreciate advise from someone who has actually been there and done that.

Great bucks and fantastic pictures. Rain is always a blessing in Texas!

Real nice bucks JG! Congrats to all y'all.

EXCELLENT Johnny!

Awesome, great bucks gentlemen.

Even with the drought effecting Antler growth those are still much nicer than most Texas mule deer. Any idea what those two would score?

Congrats on a beautiful pair of Bucks..

Awesome like always!

Rub it in Johnny, rub it in.

Great bucks JG! Looks like both bucks have some pretty solid mass!

Congrats Johnny! The Scenars out of my 6.5 are just devastating! Bullet sized entry and 2” exits on the 3 kills this yr. that’s 8 kills in 2 yrs with this bullet and all performed the same! No need to try anything else.

Roy

Lots to like about those bullets that's for sure.

ChuckKY, yes it is a 6.5CM. The load I'm shooting is 41.6g RL16 at 2760fps. As you're well aware the T3X has a generous mag box, so these bullets are scooted out to 2.84 OAL. I'm sure a lot of other powders will work equally as well though.

Beautiful bucks JG - congrats!

Congrats !

Nice bucks, good work