HuntStand Helps Bag Long-Awaited First Buck [Big Buck ALERT]

Ever considered being a mentor for a non-hunting friend or family member? It’s maybe the best way to pass on our hunting heritage, and our Week 2 winner is living proof that it flat-out works. Maryland’s Tyler Hardy, 30, wasn’t born into a hunting family, but over the past year he’s learned very quickly, and his Maryland buck bagged Sept. 23, 2021 makes him the second weekly winner in the 2021 HuntStand Big Buck ALERT contest. The win earns Hardy a sweet hunt pack from ALPS OutdoorZ: the versatile Covert pack (see below). The weekly win also makes Hardy eligible for our Grand Prize drawing in November (more on that below).

We’re still looking for eight more weekly winners so enter today!“This year I decided I wanted to learn how to bowhunt, and with some great guidance from my fiance’s family, it all came together with my first buck ever, taken Sept. 23, 2021.

“It had always been a dream of mine to go hunting; I’m currently 30 but while growing up my family wasn’t the hunting type, and so I had no one to learn from until I met my fiancé. My future brother-in-law and father-in-law have been hunting since they were youngsters, and they were a great resource.

“Not too long ago I had never heard of the HuntStand app, until my future brother-in-law took me to the family hunting property, and showed me all the awesome HuntStand features. After that it was ‘on’ in a big way; any scrape or buck rub, or deer sighting was logged in my own app. All summer long I watched the backwoods behind my home for deer activity, and did some scouting and dreaming. Then came some sightings of a few bucks (finally), including a wide 8-point.“Lastly, to prepare for the season I needed a stand, which was donated by my future father-in-law, taken from hunting land that belonged to his recently passed brother. Little did I know that all three of the men from that family had shot some very nice deer from that old ladder stand.

“Let’s just say my first time in that stand didn’t got too well. HuntStand showed that the wind was right for a hunt, and sure enough, several deer eventually wandered within range, but I drew my bow before I stood, and they saw the movement and bolted.

“The second time in the stand I learned from my mistake. I knew I had to stand way earlier before drawing back. So I got geared up and headed back out, with all the excitement in the world. After a long sit, I finally caught some movement, which ended up to be a skinny doe and spike buck. They hung around for 15-20 minutes before leaving, and then, about 15 minutes later, I saw some movement far out in the woods that caused me to stand. Soon, the wide 8-point was approaching with the two deer seen previously. Once in range the 8-point faced me the whole time, never offering a shot, until he turned to leave and gave me one last look, quartering away. I drew and shot, and heard a loud Thwack! as the buck bolted. I knew I hit him but couldn’t tell where.“I needed to sit in the stand calming my nerves just to climb down, then texted my future father in law for assistance. After a few minutes of searching, there he was, my very first deer, about 100 yards away from my stand! I will never forget this hunt, and there will be a mount on the wall to remind any future children and family about this incredible adventure. Thank you HuntStand!”

To enter the HuntStand 2021 Big Buck ALERT contest, simply send us a few clear, high-res. digital photos (three to five) of your 2021 buck bagged after Aug. 20 (Entries accepted NOW THROUGH NOV. 24). Be sure to include the following:

A. A brief story of your hunt that explains how the HuntStand app played a part.

B. Be sure to tell us if your buck was known to you or a newcomer, then describe the area where your stand sits, or where the encounter took place.

C. Include the fateful day’s wind and weather conditions, and of course, the blow-by-blow account of the exciting action as it unfolded.

D. Also include your full name, age, successful hunt date and state, weapon used, and your mailing address. Your e-mail subject line should read: Big Buck Alert! Send your photo(s) and requested info to: [email protected]Team HuntStand will choose 10 weekly winners that we will share with the extensive HuntStand community; EACH weekly winner will receive the versatile Covert Pack (valued at $59.99) from ALPS OutdoorZ (see above). This unique compact design will take you from deer season to waterfowling and everything in between. It’s ideal for hunters who want to pack light but still carry essential gear. For cold-weather comfort, deploy the pack in front of your torso, and utilize the integrated hand warmer channel between the belt and main compartment. You’ll also find a clear smartphone pocket on the main compartment lid that offers safe storage of your mobile device.In addition, at the end of the 10 weeks, all weekly winners will be placed in a drawing for our Grand Prize: an ALPS OutdoorZ Impulse Pack (valued at $199.99; image above). This ultra-quiet design won’t betray your presence when your next trophy is closing in, thanks to ALPS’ new Deadquiet fabric; it features outer fleece with a polyester backing and incorporates a membrane between the two fabrics to help keep out moisture. The zipper-less main compartment allows you to access items quietly and easily; a series of magnets and an aluminum hook secures the top lid when needed. Ideal for ground blinds or treestands, the flat-bottom structure allows the pack to stand up independently. Included are an ambidextrous quiver holder, two deep side pockets, a drop-down pocket to carry your gun or bow, a two-piece adjustable waist belt with pockets, and a hydration pocket with two side ports.

Good luck out there this fall from all of us here at Team HuntStand, and let us know when (and how) you score with HuntStand!