Opening morning buck

Well I can say that I did let this buck pass about 3 was ago at first light with a perfect broadside 25 yd shot. Unfortunately I couldn't really make a judgement on width so I let is walk and as I did I realized it had great width.
Opening morning found me perched in one of my stands that over look a cornfield and is on a point that sticks out separating a large tract of hardwoods and brush/swamp that is a prime bedding area. The deer had been frequently going behind me and feeding on a red oak and at daylight one of my pets visited. A small 6pt who fed through. It was till about 9 that another large doe crept thru and right under me. She had fed off and as I sat there thinking about how many nice deer had come from the hollow behind me in the past including my best and my dad's 164 and change a couple years ago. Soon I realized a large doe and fawn were coming out of the hollow. It was obvious something was pushing her as she went quickly away from me at about 75 to 100 yds with tail tucked between legs and thru the creek. I watched the hollow for what appeared forever and finally saw a deer standing at the edge of the field scanning. I soon realized it was a buck but as soon as I realized it the wind picked up and the rain of sudden leave storm spooked him. He soon relaxed and began pursuit of the doe. I knew right where he was going and when he presented a broadside shot it was at 75 or so yards and the max range I'm comfortable with an open sighted 1100 with smooth bore. However this gun shoots federal true ball slugs absolutely excellent at this range and under. I also had a perfect rest given the tree limb I was focused on.
The first shot resulted in a mule kick and obvious hit by the buck almost going down however he just took three slow steps and stopped. I steadied and shot again. The deer took a turn and trotted slowly up the hill and stopped about 15 yds ups the hill side. I was in awe of how this deer seemed to have a good shot in him but didn't really phase him I watched as he got wobbly and barrel rolled down the hill.
After retracing the tracks it was obvious the first shot was perfect but the second missed. An hr later dragging thru a chilled plowed field we made it to the house.
In all I wish I would have taken this deer during bow but satisfied. My area is nice but gets tremendous pressure from the surrounding areas and I am pleased to take a good buck off the farm each of the past few years as I have learned how the skirt the area. Unfortunately it is kinda sad as the pursuit is over but
I still have an atterbury hunt coming up and may work on securing some different ground. I am looking forward to getting my traps back in the ground as well.
Best of luck to those still hunting and may the time be memorable.