12/28/2025
Our client Malcom Johnson got it done with this stud South Texas 8 point!!
Check out Capt-Josh’s detailed story of this exciting hunt below!
This buck made us put in maximum effort! He had completely disappeared for days. The rut is going full bore in Duval county. After sitting several blinds in search of him; checking cameras all across the ranch, we were feeling pessimistic.
It was midday and we were returning to camp to develop a strategy for the next evening hunt. Glancing behind the lodge in a recently mulched field area, we noticed some deer movement. Skirting along the outer wall of the lodge for a bit of cover, we glassed the action. To our surprise, there were several bucks, all chasing and fighting over one hot doe. The dominant contender was our big 8!! What ensued could be one of the most exciting and intense whitetail rut/hunting shot setup situations that I have witnessed thus far while guiding!
As quickly, but quietly as possible, we retrieved the tripod shooting sticks. Malcom grabbed his rifle and setup for a possible shot. Mark Decker II and I were scanning frantically with our binoculars, as all of the bucks were running in circles, in and out of a prickly pear patch. We would see our target buck for just a second, then he would fight another buck and disappear into the cactus with the doe. Poor Malcom was trying hard to get a glimpse of this buck to make a clean shot.
After what felt like 30 mins, the big 8pt busted through some brush to fight off a contender 10 point. After the commotion, the 8pt stood with nearly all of his body obscured by a large mesquite branch. Starring our direction, his white throat patch was gleaming through the brush. I was fearful that we had been spotted and the buck and his doe would bolt.
“Malcom”, I said with concern in my voice. “Do you think you can get steady enough to shoot that buck in the neck?” Before I had an opportunity to process my next thought; BOOOOM!!! The .308 Win rang out with a thunderous voice!
The buck dropped in his tracks!!!!!!!
ELATION!!!!!
What an excellent shot 🎯!
A giant congratulations to my friend! A big thank you to Mark Decker and the Feathers & Sheds Unlimited team, who all were apart of this crazy situation, and witnessed the setup and shot.
South Texas deer hunting with Feathers & Sheds is ALWAYS an adventure 🙌🏼
