I had built a blind above a narrow bench that had a nice scrape line running down it. I had been in the spot for about 2 hours and was getting ready to leave as darkness neared. I had a crunching of leaves and looked up at the scrape and there stood this fine buck. I knew immediately he demanded my full attention. As I shifted my gun to an opening in front of him, he walked quickly away from the scrape into the narrow opening. He was walking angled slightly away and I knew this was my only chance. Holding on his shoulder, I squeezed the trigger and was immediately engulfed in white smoke. I just caught a very brief glimpse of him racing to the left. With darkness fast approaching, I slipped to the area where he had run and after about 30 yards I found a few specks of blood. Carefully following the sparse trail, I found him about 90 yards away. He had run so fast that the trail was pretty light even though I had taken him through both lungs with a .54 cal. round ball! Thank goodness for FAST flintlocks or I never would have gotten him! He has a 17 inch spread and 4 inch bases.
Luckily for me the English Fowler lock ignited instantly to make a shot on this moving buck. He has the most massive bases and rack of any buck I've ever taken. A fine Arkansas hills buck for sure and he'll make for many nice meals this next cold winter. Good Hunting to all of you and send pics if you get lucky! Call me for my e mail address and we can post them!