Some heavy timber rimmed by cornfields. Add a few game cams and a familiar Michigan buck, and you get our Week 8 HIT LIST winner.
As we’ve stated previously, one of the neatest benefits of regular trail cam use is year-to-year tracking of a particular tract’s deer herd. On private lands this “insider” info not only allows you to be a more-effective game manager, you’ll also gain valuable knowledge of things like antler-growth trends and even predator density that can factor into your management decisions. Michigan’s Douglass O’Dell, 36, knows all about keeping tabs on his property’s deer herd, a fine example being this neat four-pic sequence of a very solid Wolverine-state buck. For submitting these cool images O’Dell is the Week Eight winner of our 2018 Big Buck HIT LIST contest that makes him eligible for a sweet new hunting optic from Burris.
“These four pics [shown in chronological order, top to bottom] were taken between July 11 and August 9; we have named this buck ‘Samson’ and we have history with this deer from last year,” O’Dell wrote. “We’re guessing he is just 3.5 years old; although a young deer it might be hard to pass this buck this fall! We are in Michigan hunting heavy timber with cornfields along the sides of the property. We have this buck patterned right now and we’re hoping to see him during early bow season. He is a great-looking tall-racked deer; we’re really hoping to get our hands on this one this fall.”
We’re still looking for two more weekly winners; to enter the HuntStand 2018 Big Buck HIT LIST Contest, simply send us a few clear, digital trail cam photos (two to four) of a buck (or bucks) TAKEN IN THE SUMMER OF 2018 (Day or night images, photos accepted NOW THROUGH SEPT. 6). Be sure to include the date and state the images were taken, and a few sentences detailing the type of terrain/area where the image(s) were captured (i.e. funnel leading to soybean field, favorite stand site near creekbed, etc.) and some info on the buck(s) pictured. Do you have any history with the buck? Is the buck a likely newcomer to your area? Is it somehow unusual or unique for the area? What weapons/seasons will you use to hunt the pictured buck(s)?
Along with your photos, include your full name and age, and also be sure to include your mailing address. Your e-mail subject line should read: Big Buck HIT LIST! Send photo(s) and requested info to: [email protected] Team HuntStand will choose 10 weekly winners (that we began showcasing July 6). At the end of the 10 weeks, all weekly winners will be placed in a drawing to receive a Burris Droptine 10×42 Binocular (MSRP $299; see image above).
Burris, which has recently introduced the exciting new-for-2018 Oracle rangefinding bowsight that all bowhunters need to see, built the Team HuntStand-approved Droptine binocular line to deliver hunter-friendly ruggedness. You’ll also find this fine bino comfortable and lightweight enough for extended glassing, with an easy-grip exterior that makes for a rock-solid hold, even in the wettest conditions, and even with gloves. ENTER TODAY! Don’t miss this opportunity to snare some sweet hunting glass!
