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The Gift Buck: Scott Bestul Tags Huge Bow Season Whitetail in Minnesota
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September 30, 2009
The Gift Buck: Scott Bestul Tags Huge Bow Season Whitetail in Minnesota
By Scott Bestul
There is an old—and very truthful—saying that goes something like “a deer hunter is only as good as his ground.” I’d like to add a corollary to that maxim: “A hunter is only as good as his friends.”
I shot a very nice buck this past weekend, and I consider it a gift deer from one of my best friends. My neighbor Dave Olson is a fine and passionate bowhunter who, among other obligations, is a dairy farmer. Those of you familiar with this branch of agriculture can appreciate the tremendous commitment of time and labor that Dave invests, and that free time is a virtual rarity for my friend.
What does my neighbor’s lifestyle have to do with my buck? Plenty. About a year ago, Dave bought a hunting acreage, an 80-acre parcel about 25 miles from home. He set to work making the property more whitetail-friendly, and I volunteered to help. Dave and I have been working since last spring, scouting, prepping and planting food plots, hanging stands and laying out a rough blueprint of future habitat work. It is a labor of love for both of us…and one I can enjoy without worrying about making payments.
Whether it was to reward me for my help or just because he is a great guy, Dave asked me to bowhunt this parcel with him this fall. A generous offer, made even more special when you consider that Dave’s scout-cam survey this summer revealed two jaw-dropper bucks and another pair of shooter-almost-anywhere deer. Given Dave’s limited hunting schedule and considerable financial investment, I was determined to either delay hunting this ground until my friend was tagged out, or hold off on any buck I know he’d consider tagging.
But my friend was having none of my self-imposed discipline. Dave not only invited me to join him this weekend, but insisted that I take any buck that I saw, “and that includes the big ones,” he said. “I’ll be really mad if you pass any deer that you’d want to shoot somewhere else.”
So of course the buck that showed for me was a giant, and I was lucky enough to take him. I am proud as can be of the deer…but even more proud that I can call a man like Dave my friend.
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Comments (28)
What a Gorgous buck Scott! Congrats my friend! Couldn't of happened to a nicer and more deserving guy! And I'm sure you made Dave proud! The pressure's off for the rest of the season. Just enjoy! TW
Very nice buck indeed! Tell us more about that rascal-we need details!!!
Way to go, Scott !!!!!!!!
(and a big smile...)
What a great buck. What's it score (not that its all that important, but more as a reference). Looks like it could gross Boone & Crockett. I agree with sgaredneck; how about another post with the hunt details. And you said you had scout cam pics; can we get a look?
But your point is well taken. What would we so many of us hunters do without the generosity of landowners and friends?
Nice buck, you should be proud that you lured him in with that big food plot, instead of just dumping a pail of corn on the ground. Good job!
Excellent specimen. It is indeed the man who is blessed to have such good friends and the means to pursue his passions. Congratulations on a fine deer Mr. Bestful.
The friendships we share afield are rock solid. As much as i enjoy hunting alone, I enjoy just a little more hunting with a friend. If my friend happens to own a little whitetail haven,...that's great too. Most of mine hunt public land like me, but we still have fun. Great Buck and friend! Congrats.
Really nice buck, Scott. i am glad to see that you are not one of those guys that sits in a tree house in Texas like all the tv shows air.
Look at the brow tines on that brute! That's a freakin big deer. Don't you dare hold out on us online guys. We want details. Great job.
Good story Scott and very nice buck-looks like some awesome hunting ground!
Reminds me of an old story ... "Love thy neighbor as thy self."
Great Buck, and even better friend....Congrats..many of the finest game animals I have ever taken have been due to my hunting buddies...and I can say I have also returned the favor on a couple occassions...and helping a friend take a trophy is often better than taking one yourself...Congrats to the both of you!!!
2poppa, You have returned!
Great deer Scott and an even better friend ! You will remember this deer and this friend for the rest of your life ! CONGRATS on a great start to the season . While you are up there in the clouds don't forget to look down every once in a while and check on the rest of us ! HA!HA!HA!
Hey-- Is Petzal a baiter too?
Hey Walt I hunt on farms that are loaded with alfalfa, soybeans, corn and milo does that make me a baiter too? Or is this just sour grapes?
Scott, That is one hulking nice buck. Congrats to you and your friend.
2poppa, where have you been? 'bout time you came back.
"a very nice buck" - well, that's a modest understatement. But the picture speaks for itself. Congrats! Would love to see another looking head on into that rack.
I understand your reservations about not hunting before your friend. I hunt land that we try to let the kids tag out on first. But I am sure Dave is happy for you. There is sure to be more of that brute's genes in the herd. What was his expression when he saw the buck?
2pop, the guys here have been wondering on your whereabouts. Welcome back. Good advice by the way, wish it were that easy. I have some issues with my neighbor as we speak, though it does not involve hunting.
Scott,
Not to give you the big head, but you write one of the best blogs online and I couldn't be happier that you got that beauty. Awesome Deer.
I'd consider that a world class deer,and an even classier friend. Congrats!!!
Id bet your buddy would rather you shoot that deer than to see someone else tag it. I always tell people that hunt our farm "shoot any big one you see because if you dont a neighbor will". Not that i dont like our neighbors but you know how it is.
Congrats on a great buck! It's nice to have a honey hole like that. A good friend of mine has a 560 ac. paradise, but he works out of state most of the year, so I help out cutting trees, posting "no tresspassing" signs, cleaning up the place, and in return my family and I have a wonderful place to hunt, fish, ride atv's, mushroom hunt, etc.
So, what's the 'story'? Tell us about how the hunt went down.
Here's what my pal Scott ISN'T telling you all...because he is way too humble! Ask anyone who knows him well, and they will confirm that he has done the same a thousand times, being a good neighbor, host and hunting buddy to fellow bowhunters from NY to AK! Hence, the old saying of "what comes around, goes around" couldn't be more true, or more due! All I can say it "Congrats Scott-a super buck couldn't happen to a more deserving guy, and I am pumped for you!" -GB
Awesome deer. Congrats. That shows the true meaning behind its not the horn on the ground, it is the long lasting friendship that is created by hunting. Getting horn on the ground is just a plus. Awesome deer again. Congrats
Awesome deer. Congrats. That shows the true meaning behind its not the horn on the ground, it is the long lasting friendship that is created by hunting. Getting horn on the ground is just a plus. Awesome deer again. Congrats
That is one stud of a buck.
Beautiful!
buckhunter-
Del-
steve182-
I've been deep in the bowels of the woods,lookin' for the Monster!
Nice to be back!
Post a Comment
Id bet your buddy would rather you shoot that deer than to see someone else tag it. I always tell people that hunt our farm "shoot any big one you see because if you dont a neighbor will". Not that i dont like our neighbors but you know how it is.
Here's what my pal Scott ISN'T telling you all...because he is way too humble! Ask anyone who knows him well, and they will confirm that he has done the same a thousand times, being a good neighbor, host and hunting buddy to fellow bowhunters from NY to AK! Hence, the old saying of "what comes around, goes around" couldn't be more true, or more due! All I can say it "Congrats Scott-a super buck couldn't happen to a more deserving guy, and I am pumped for you!" -GB
What a Gorgous buck Scott! Congrats my friend! Couldn't of happened to a nicer and more deserving guy! And I'm sure you made Dave proud! The pressure's off for the rest of the season. Just enjoy! TW
Excellent specimen. It is indeed the man who is blessed to have such good friends and the means to pursue his passions. Congratulations on a fine deer Mr. Bestful.
Look at the brow tines on that brute! That's a freakin big deer. Don't you dare hold out on us online guys. We want details. Great job.
Reminds me of an old story ... "Love thy neighbor as thy self."
2poppa, You have returned!
Hey Walt I hunt on farms that are loaded with alfalfa, soybeans, corn and milo does that make me a baiter too? Or is this just sour grapes?
Scott, That is one hulking nice buck. Congrats to you and your friend.
2poppa, where have you been? 'bout time you came back.
I'd consider that a world class deer,and an even classier friend. Congrats!!!
Congrats on a great buck! It's nice to have a honey hole like that. A good friend of mine has a 560 ac. paradise, but he works out of state most of the year, so I help out cutting trees, posting "no tresspassing" signs, cleaning up the place, and in return my family and I have a wonderful place to hunt, fish, ride atv's, mushroom hunt, etc.
So, what's the 'story'? Tell us about how the hunt went down.
buckhunter-
Del-
steve182-
I've been deep in the bowels of the woods,lookin' for the Monster!
Nice to be back!
Very nice buck indeed! Tell us more about that rascal-we need details!!!
Way to go, Scott !!!!!!!!
(and a big smile...)
What a great buck. What's it score (not that its all that important, but more as a reference). Looks like it could gross Boone & Crockett. I agree with sgaredneck; how about another post with the hunt details. And you said you had scout cam pics; can we get a look?
But your point is well taken. What would we so many of us hunters do without the generosity of landowners and friends?
Nice buck, you should be proud that you lured him in with that big food plot, instead of just dumping a pail of corn on the ground. Good job!
The friendships we share afield are rock solid. As much as i enjoy hunting alone, I enjoy just a little more hunting with a friend. If my friend happens to own a little whitetail haven,...that's great too. Most of mine hunt public land like me, but we still have fun. Great Buck and friend! Congrats.
Really nice buck, Scott. i am glad to see that you are not one of those guys that sits in a tree house in Texas like all the tv shows air.
Good story Scott and very nice buck-looks like some awesome hunting ground!
Great Buck, and even better friend....Congrats..many of the finest game animals I have ever taken have been due to my hunting buddies...and I can say I have also returned the favor on a couple occassions...and helping a friend take a trophy is often better than taking one yourself...Congrats to the both of you!!!
Great deer Scott and an even better friend ! You will remember this deer and this friend for the rest of your life ! CONGRATS on a great start to the season . While you are up there in the clouds don't forget to look down every once in a while and check on the rest of us ! HA!HA!HA!
"a very nice buck" - well, that's a modest understatement. But the picture speaks for itself. Congrats! Would love to see another looking head on into that rack.
I understand your reservations about not hunting before your friend. I hunt land that we try to let the kids tag out on first. But I am sure Dave is happy for you. There is sure to be more of that brute's genes in the herd. What was his expression when he saw the buck?
2pop, the guys here have been wondering on your whereabouts. Welcome back. Good advice by the way, wish it were that easy. I have some issues with my neighbor as we speak, though it does not involve hunting.
Scott,
Not to give you the big head, but you write one of the best blogs online and I couldn't be happier that you got that beauty. Awesome Deer.
Awesome deer. Congrats. That shows the true meaning behind its not the horn on the ground, it is the long lasting friendship that is created by hunting. Getting horn on the ground is just a plus. Awesome deer again. Congrats
Awesome deer. Congrats. That shows the true meaning behind its not the horn on the ground, it is the long lasting friendship that is created by hunting. Getting horn on the ground is just a plus. Awesome deer again. Congrats
That is one stud of a buck.
Beautiful!
Hey-- Is Petzal a baiter too?
Post a Comment