thanks guys.
the rifle setup is a Winchester M70 i bought when i was 16 but have had the action bedded, i did a trigger job, and handload up 165gr. GMX's for it that shoot great (sub 1/2" groups at 100yds) and they seem to preform ok. I have a Leupold VXII 6-18-40 scope on it with turrets and i have all of my ballistic data calculated out on the stock. that ol thing sure has had some notched tags over the years.
the story from the past season was talking about how i found a shed antler where i lost my bull and this year 20yds from where i shot there was a shed below me. just makes me feel i was able to redeem myself and it felt good to have success is all