After a while I would think that getting a '200" buck' would become more of a pocketbook exercise and lose the meaning (i.e. skill, persistence, uniqueness) of what it takes to truly find and shoot an animal like this in the wild.

William, you and I couldn't afford this buck!  I figure upwards of $10,000.

Great lookin' buck(s)!

Buck PakLite Skinner

http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=product.detail&productID=3769

I own the Buck OakLite Skinner and carry it for daily use.  It was purchased from Academy for $19.95 plus sales tax during last deer hunting season.  It's 420 Rockwell hardness, hollow ground and holds an edge fairly well.  I use a Smith's 6" diamond sharpener to sharpen it and can shave with it after sharpening.  I find the rounded tip is excellent for skinning.  Buck also has the longer blade version just below.

Buck PakLite Skinner Large

http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=product.detail&productID=3952

The web site below sells most name brand knives at a discounted price and usually prepays shipping.  I've purchased rrom them and received excellent service.

http://nagornysknives.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_58&products_id=1585

I won't get a chance to go before Thanksgiving...gotta work for a living.

Hate to hear your year's been tough William.  Unfortunately its been a booger of a year for a number of people...hope it improves for you.  The weather by your old lease by Sonora has been dry as a bone, so the hunting isn't going to be too good this year anyway.  We're going, but really don't expect much.

Steve, I've been to Brady many times, and the deer out there can be thick as flies.  Its also the place where I saw the biggest buck I've ever seen on the hoof about 5 miles north of there on Hwy 283.  The rut ought to be pretty close on Thanksgiving...you never know what you'll see!

IN ORDER: 1)practice 2) practice 3) practice 4)patience 5)anchor 6)patience 7)aim small 8)squeeze

You will need to begin drawing on every animal you see just so you know what you can get away with. I would hate to have to draw on a huge buck my first time out. I don't have to worry because I'm not that lucky either. Good luck.