Weather forecast here for opening day of firearms season was dismal - strong winds, warm temps, and thunderstorms brewing by afternoon. Decided to go this morning anyway, I was afraid the season wouldn't open if I wasn't out there. About 8 am this gnarly 8-point came by and met one of Ray Thompson's 429244 hollow points. Old Model Ruger flattop .44 7 1/2". Recovered bullet did expand some, the hollow point section fragmented, gas check came off (found it). Recovered bullet shank weighed about 150 grs. This buck came by on the run and never stopped, though he was close (25 yards). I hit him a little farther back than I would have liked but as I was in a 16 ft ladder stand, the downward angle resulted in a spine hit and he went down like a bad investment. Spinal cord was completely severed about 6" in front of the hips. I think this deer had been hit by a car, his rack showed evidence of a pretty major injury on both sides while in velvet. He was otherwise in very good shape though, probably a 3.5 year old deer. BTW, that dark spot you can see on the buck's side is where the bullet was found, just under the hide on the off side.