It was the second-to-last day of the hunt, and Wilkins was beginning to worry he might not tag out before heading home. Wilkins climbed his stand at 5:45 that morning, well before dawn. Another hunter with Xtreme Hunts had posted there the previous day and advised Wilkins to be prepared to shoot. Two narrow trails offered clear shooting lanes, but if Wilkins wasn't ready when a deer crossed the paths he would miss his chance.

"I was pretty anxious about killing a big buck," Wilkins said, "So I stood there from daylight all the way until the deer came out, standing there with my bow in my hand so all I had to do was draw back."