Mike Popernik of Oxford was always a lot more interested in ducks than bucks. He’d killed two does about 40 years ago, and hadn’t deer hunted much since then. But on December 29, with a borrowed Remington 30-06, the retired Army sergeant put his rifle training to good use by making a 225 yard shot on this beautiful nine point (8 with a big spur on the left pedicle), 200 pound buck near Abbeville. It’s his first buck ever — and the smile tells the story. He’s finally, and officially, hooked.