The fact that you went down to congratulate the guy after all that speaks volumes. That's some sportsmanship right there

The hunting community needs more people like you. Incredible story!

Hopefully the number one lesson you’ve learned from this is to not post pictures of live deer on social media. It’s nobody’s deer until their tag is out on it, regardless of how many years of scouting or trail camera images someone has

Social media has ruined a lot, especially when it comes to the outdoors. This is a harsh lesson of why it's best to not post certain things. Beautiful buck and I would have rather seen you harvest him more than anyone else. I hope one day I get to see a buck like this, not many out there like that now a days.

You’re a good guy Martin, not many would keep it together like you did, the years of respect and admiration you showed for such a beautiful animal, good things will come for you I’m sure🙏

You're a standup guy, Martin. And as you stated, the knowledge you learned from this buck over 6 seasons will be invaluable in the years to come.

Man what a story and an education you received. As a hunter, you probably know that the great spirit is a mystery and talks to us in different ways, the ways that we need to to hear in order to know ourselves deeper and deeper. To know ourselves like the creator knows itself. Sometimes an animal will give himself , his life, to a hunter . He will sacrifice himself to be food for another being so the circle of life continues. It is a sacred hoop and we have our unique part in it too. R2 gave himself to that other hunter for reasons unknown, maybe he needs the meat more. R2 gave something more value to you, a deeper connection to the hunt itself, the language of us all, the subtle language of the natural world. Learning that language is more precious than the harvest because it teaches us our purpose while we walk this Earth for such a brief time. Wopila Tunkashila, yu'waste'.

Confessional: Last year when you posted Solo I had to come to terms with issues surrounding public land hunting since the advent of social media. I had just watched your film and I recognized the exact area because Ive walked those ridges. They are in the general area were I pattern deer and take my kids to learn how to hunt mule deer. It made me upset that it was all over the internet. Yet, I remembered when I was kid in my hunters safety course about how we are all out there in commonality. We should be compassionate, respectful, safe and be in fellowship with other hunters. I hope as hunters we can take this story and relearn why we are out there, maybe even pass this on around campfires like camps of centuries past. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and courage to share this story. Thanks, Martin! If we meet out there, instant coffee is on me. Cheers!

Heartbreaking story. Really hard to believe you weren't the one to get him. You're the bigger man. I know if I was the other hunter I would never push myself into another hunters area.

Martin is such a class act. I’m not sure in that situation I would have had that same composure. Emotional story for sure.

Thanks for taking the time to tell us the story. I was riveted the whole time. You took the high road, God sees it all. It will come back around to you. You did a great job Martin. Giant bucks can break a man’s heart sometimes.

Heartbreaking story. That's 6 years of passion, thank you for taking the time the cull the footage and share.

Good example of how social media ruins hunts and hunting spots, I know this is how you guys make your living but for the guys who don’t and need their ego stroked be advised.

A very touching heartfelt journey for you Martin! Thank you so much for sharing your passion for what you love to do.

That was a great story. You experienced what most hunters never will with a Buck like that.

Amazing story, never have a felt so much emotion listening/watching hunting content. Thank you for sharing this story, I hope a lot of people can learn from this.

Oh Martin... such a bittersweet story. And it speaks volumes as to what kind of person you are. The dedication to pursue something you love and the journey you took documenting all of these experiences makes this such a touching, moving story. Yes, R2 is an impressive buck, but to me the way you handled this situation-even the interactions with others and the way you shared the experiences with the other "hunter" when you had every right to speak poorly, you didn't, tells me that you are an even greater person than R2 was a buck. You close the chapter on this deer with integrity, honor, knowing you did the right thing. Personally I'd rather have that then to look at a massive buck on the wall with an empty, hollow feeling knowing I had perhaps been unethical, perhaps used information I didn't put the work into obtaining, perhaps not respected the space of another hunter to harvest such an animal. Thank you for your example and for being a great person, I have no doubt you will harvest a dream buck with honor soon!

That story was amazing we need hunters like you

Your a good man Martin! We need more hunters like you!

All I can think is your day will come. You put all that time into an animal and you don't get the ending you're hoping for but you took it in stride and showed true class. Keep pushing and think of everything you learned from all of it. Best of luck next season Martin!

You’re a stud Chag! Thank you for sharing the story. You are one hell of great hunter/sportsman.

Amazing story man! Shows your true character… not many people would have stayed there watched that guy move in on him! Thank you for sharing!

That’s a bummer man, even more knowing the other hunters played stupid when they messed up your opportunity. I guess some guys will do anything to get a big one, even messing up others who rightfully beat you to the spot. You give me hope Martin, that those who watch this will have ethics, respect and dignity you displayed. The other hunters didn’t give you that in return but I pray that your are blessed with what you deserve 10 fold.

How frustrating it must've been , however you're definitely the better person in this story and give others hope that there's still classy hunters out there ...thanks for the share ..my thought is good things always come from difficult times and your day is coming ..blessings

So many things to say, mostly thank you for sharing. Can only imagine what went through your mind just before and walking down there .

Martin, you’ve demonstrated what it means to have integrity and class. Although you didn’t end up taking that buck home, trust that you’ve earned the respect of so many people by taking the high road. 👍

Wow this story is incredible thank you for sharing it. Awesome video!

Great story and awesome video! Loved it!! Thank you for sharing

I don’t comment much on videos but mad respect to you for how you handled yourself on that hunt can’t say I would have done the same. The time compassion you showed for that buck gives a guys and girls a little hope in this hunting world. You learned lots from this buck. Take the good with the bad and Hopefully you get a little extra luck on your side for the next one. Thanks for sharing !

Extremely proud of how you handled the situation. Keep looking R2 has off spring out there for you to go after. Good luck. Ur day will come. You have a good heart.

This why I like u the best.. u seem to choose what’s right over individual accomplishments.. you’re a good guy. Thanks for sharing

Amazing story Chag! Thanks for sharing it

Thanks for sharing this story, I have always enjoyed your videos, seen them all over the years. You're a stand up guy and have a great future in the hunting industry.

I enjoyed this a lot. The hunt for an individual deer is truly special.

This is why I don’t like posting big bucks on social media. but love the story man !! Sad that you weren’t able to take him.

Congrats Martin! Been watching you ever since you were with the hushin boys glad and happy to see you get out in your own element and do you and Hunt for Yourself! Amazing content and what a buck of a life time! Keep up the hard work man

Been following along for a while buddy and what journey that buck gave you! Thank you for sharing all your hard work and effort with us. The next one will be that much sweeter 👊🏼

Chag with the banger! Let’s go !!

We have all been hunting that big faint dream buck. That's why I have the love of high country mule deer. I finally had my chance 2 years ago muzzleloader hunting at 42 years old. Guess what I missed. Was I sad? Of course but it keeps my dream alive and passion to keep chasing mule deer. Nothing great comes easy and sometimes when you do fulfill the 230 inch dear you stop loving the chase and you might not chase it as hard. At 44 now I'm still never giving up come to realize I may never get that 230 inch. But that's ok it's the chase I love more then anything. Don't give up good things come to those who wait and never give up. Thanks for sharing a great story.

Wow...got that pit in my stomach feeling just watching this. Great story. Great video.

Amazing story, beautiful footage, you’re a good hunter. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks for telling us the story, I know it was hard for you to tell but it shows what kind of person you are deep down inside. Keep the faith and you will get your opportunity again!

You’ve got a lot in you to not ruin that guys hunt when you have so much time, effort and history with R2. Your a stud for representing what a true sportsman would do in that situation

Chasing "one buck"... R2 is pure motivation. Everyday for 6 years you had the dangling carrot to hike up the mountain. You can always hold to the fact that R2 taught you to hunt....You had a great 6 year cat and mouse hunt with R2 that the OTHER HUNTER can never take away from you. Your video story could possibly earn you more praise and respect than if you had shot the deer. The size of the deer is no question incredible. But your drive was showcased in your video and relentless effort put into chasing him... the true hunt was in the details of years spent chasing him. Your shed hunt for example, while stepping on the shed...what a great outcome and crazy story! Day after day... non stop of hiking up and glassing him up. I really enjoyed hearing and watching your footage. Thanks for the years and time spend putting this wrap up of R2 together. Karma has a great way of manifesting itself. Your time with a monster buck and bulls will keep coming. Keep the videos coming. See you on the hill.

Man, I don’t know how you congratulated that guy. Yeah, everyone has a right to hunt public land, but when they start to invade your hunt, step on your toes, and take over the deer you’re hunting, it’s just not right. Some people on public land can be complete jerks, but I have a lot of respect for you being so humble and congratulating them. It’s an amazing story, thanks for sharing!!

Martin you just keep being you. You display so much character in all your hunts. WOW... this was an amazing video I will passing it on to my sons who follow you as well..

Great video. And a wonderful attitude you have and us other hunters need to remember. We are all out there to have fun and make memories. God Bless. And Thank You

Dude I'm pumped, amazing content as always

Thanks for sharing the whole story and all the details

I've always enjoyed your videos. Now I have a much deeper respect for you as a hunter and as an individual. You do the hunting community an honor by doing the right thing.

Right on man, keep up the hard work!

Awesome story man! Sometimes things don’t happen the way we dreamt that they would , but none the less , incredible story and kudos to you for sticking it out and never giving up , along with always doing the right thing!

RESPECT!! I didn’t like how things went down on the hill. I can’t believe how they did you wrong. The first thing I wanted to ask was what’s the guys name. Let’s make them famous lol. Your a good guy need more like you. Thanks for sharing.

My hats off to you. You have something most other people don’t. Knowledge! You gain the knowledge to hunt big bucks. You alluded to it in the video. So go make it happen. Good luck and hope to see you at the Hunt Expo. Bryce (Casey’s friend that had cancer at his first premier)! Thanks for sharing and stay humble. Your knowledge will pay off down the road.

Sick ,Awesome thanks for sharing your incredible story

Gosh man. I have knots in my stomach! Way to keep your head up. Great inspiration and role model for the hunting community.

Great story. Thank you for sharing.

Absolutely amazing story!!

Rad story Martin, really enjoyed the whole thing. I had a solid 9 point (at least by North Carolina standards) I was chasing for a few years that eventually showed up on a forum after another hunter got him. Initially I was gutted but now time has passed I am stoked for the other dude. Would have been a shame if he was killed by a car or didn't survive a winter.

I appreciate this video so much. Incredible buck. More incredible than the buck is your commitment to be the type of hunter you can stand in the mirror. Ethical, honorable conduct is more valuable than a set of antlers. Well done. I take my hat off to you sir. Given the fact that you had the actual antlers in your video, is it safe to assume that you at least made a new friend out there ?? Lol.

Thanks for sharing buddy 💯💢💥💣👍🦌

Devastating! Well done, my friend! You’re a good man!

Nice. Thanks for sharing. I'm glad that buck was found and didn't get gut shot by someone taking a shot beyond their comfort level.

Beautiful buck Martin. I can appreciate all aspects of your story from the rush, to the heartache. I commend you for taking the high road though. That's what you want people to remember you for. There'll be other deer to pursue. But it's hard to regain honor and integrity once lost. We all know people that have sadly sacrificed these for the other. Hope they feel it was worth it.

prime example of ethic's & class sir!

Felt very sad after watching this video. If I was in your shoes I would be devastated. Thanks for sharing this story. This was a fantastic film.

Your a stud Martin. Thanks for sharing the whole story.

Thanks for sharing this and being the ethical hunter , awesome experience..

Best post you ever produced!! Excellent 👍! I’ve done exactly the same thing here in the uk 🇬🇧! I followed up on a big red stag which people knew of him as GIANT! I got lots of antlers off this wild stag ! So totally understand your passion following up on one particular deer 🦌! Shame R2 didn’t make it to good old age as he may of grown some more interesting heads ! But I guess to many people hunt for the best heads they can get ! If you got a chance have a look on my channel under thumb nail of me holding the stags head & antlers!He made it to 13 years of age ! The only reason he made it to old age was due to one person ! Which was the main stalker in his wintering grounds ! Who wanted to see what a stag could develop in its full life ! Which is bloody rare ! Sorry for long message! But totally get your passion!!👍🦌

Remarkable story. You should feel proud of the manner in which you handled it.

Heartbreaking 💔 what a buck & Story ! From a guy that has taken 20+ mule deer from 180 to 195 “ only seen 10 in 45 yrs of hunting over 200 “ no tag ,private ,out of season ….. that was a Toad 👍

You have amazing hunter etiquette, those other guys need to learn from you. Take a lot of mental strength not to treat them the way they treated you. Much respect brotha!

Man it was heart breaking watching the video. Good on you for not pushing the buck. I can't imagine how hard it was to sit back. Congrats to the hunter. You'll make it happen.

Man! Martin, that is an absolute devastating story. I feel your frustration in the tone of your voice and it hits me too! Hopefully you’ve already got your sights on the next one (but in a different canyon away for this other “hunter”). Good luck!

Great ethics and amazing morals, a couple thing's more should take from this!! Good on ya Martin 🙏

I have a lot of respect for you in sitting tight when you knew you could have been overly aggressive that last day of the hunt and moving in in the deer. Especially since it was already done to you. I understand it’s public land, but there’s unwritten rules in the hunting community and to me they broke those if they already knew you were there. Nevertheless a great story and it was a pleasure to watch it! Thank you for documenting and sharing the story of that legend of a deer.

Dang that is crazy, but you did the right thing and nobody can take that away from you. You are a great guy, thanks for the story and amazing work and time you put in.

Thanks for sharing. I feel like I just watch Eastman tell the story of Popeye. Amazing how much work you put in thanks

Awesome man glad to see you as a bigger person And not do what they did to you had me at the edge of my seat the whole time

That is downright cold blooded! I’m sorry you didn’t have the fairytale ending you deserved. You’re a better man for it, too. What a great story !!!

Wow what an incredible story and a incredible buck.

Great story man! Congrats to that lucky hunter! Now, just go find his younger brother! Thanks for sharing!

I'll love to hear the story of wide Clyde. People definitely like these stories.

Great story. You made the ethical decision to let the other Hunter do his thing, which is far more important than harvesting R2. Don’t second guess yourself. The hunting community needs for hunters like you!

Another dream snatched from a good hearted kid who lived it and did it the correct way, by the evil that is “Social Media”. It’s going to be what destroys humanity. As soon as he shared that video for all to see, I got the pit in my stomach feeling. Of all things. A true sportsman for sure at the end, I tip my cap to you. You sure could have done it a different way and as I have read on the comments glad to know there are guys like you still out on the mountains. 💯💪🇺🇸

congrats on the big buck thats a stud

Dang.. Great story man! Felt like I was right there the way you told it. Thanks for sharing 🙏🏽💯👊🏽🏹

Man congratulations. I tried not to fast forward through the commentary but my a.d.d was running rampid. What video was mixed In was great.

❤️ great video man!

Sometimes you gotta be that guy especially after a group of guys knowing the location you are at and still have the audacity to put a stalk up and draw back in the same direction as you. Much respect to you and your fellow hunters not everyone is built like that

Heartbreaking, even for me. BUT, there were so many lessons learned. You're a good person, from what I can tell. You have an amazing story about an amazing buck. Nobody can take that away from you. You're a fantastic story teller. I felt as if I was there and felt the heartbreak with you. Good things will come your way, I have not doubt.

What a great story and memory Martin. I am sure you learned a lot from it. Such an amazing buck!! Back when I was around your age before social media I was watching and hunting a 220 class desert muley for a few years in the Ore desert. I put a pic of us with his sheds in the local store in the little town of 150 near me . Then one day a guide hunted me down and called me. He offered me money to put the Governor tag holder on this buck with him. I told him sorry but this old buck will die from my arrow or old age. He died of old age a couple years later. A friend and I have years of his sheds.

Damn amigo, you’re a good man. That guy got lucky. Extremely tough call but you’ll be blessed for it.

Great story man! I think I can say for everyone that it’s impressive the sportsmanship you have! You’ll find bigger and better and be able to follow a buck the same way you did R2! Your young in great health and it will happen again! If anything just remember that made you the person you are today! Hope to run into you some day on the hill!

Just got done watching the video! Great story Martin, I gained a lot of respect for you 👊🏼 unfortunate ending to such an amazing story… it wasn’t a to total loss, lots of knowledge gained and an experience hunters only dream of.

Incredible story!

Well you learned volumes about how to approach a mega buck. In another chapter it will happen for you. You showed tremendous integrity and sportsmanship to some guys that may have not deserved it.

If that Hunter hadn’t watched your videos, remembered where your truck was he’d have most likely never shot either buck… There are definitely unwritten rules for public hunting areas and not everyone has an ethical code. You’re a class act my friend.

Wow. My condolences on how it ended.

I have hunted public land my hole life and your right it is public. With that said. I have had a quite a few times the same thing happen to me and my son when I was trying to teach him the ethics of hunting. You did the right thing proud of you. Know matter how much it hurts. Thank you for your story.