A long-awaited hunt. Some unwelcome weather. When a bowhunter powers through some less-than-ideal conditions the result is a run-in with a many-tined legend.
If you’re a bowhunter you’ve likely seen the pattern. A hunt you’ve waited weeks or months for finally arrives—and suddenly weather conditions take a turn for the worse. But somehow, when you put in your time and persevere, good things happen. Alabama’s Jason Terry can relate, and how. For submitting the story of his giant Kentucky buck taken Nov. 1—a buck that might challenge the current state typical archery record of 188 2/8—Terry is the latest weekly winner in the HuntStand Big Buck Alert contest. The win earns Terry a sweet pack combination from ALPS OutdoorZ: The Bino Harness X with Vital X (see below). The weekly win also makes Terry eligible for our Grand Prize drawing (more on that below).
Here is the story of Jason Terry’s amazing Kentucky hunt, in his own words:
“In late October my best friend Will Garrett and I headed up to western KY for a hunt with Ironman Outdoors. It’s an organization that gets men together in the outdoors and allows us to combine Jesus and our love for the outdoors.
“We had never hunted KY, but upon arrival we quickly learned that on one of the farms we’d be hunting, a giant buck nicknamed ‘Brutus’ had been captured on trail cam over the past several years. There weren’t many photos of the big deer and most were taken at night, and no one had seen him during daylight hours while hunting this past fall. Little did I know that was all about to change!
“Fast-forward to the last day of our hunt; on this final attempt Will wanted to hunt a new location, where HuntStand would show the wind would be ideal, and the grounds would be unmarked by human traffic. We were told there was a new farm, which held only two stands that had not yet been hunted during the season to date. Better yet, according to the land layout and existing stand sites we examined using the aerial views on my HuntStand app, the forecasted SW wind would be perfect for our last afternoon hunt on Nov. 1!
“Will’s stand was located at the edge of a cut bean field, and my stand was just a short walk into the woods, or so I was told. Luckily, the trail to the stand was well marked and I could track my path with the HuntStand app to ensure I remained on course. As I was approaching the stand, now well over 400 yards into the woods, I bumped two bedded bucks. I wasn’t too happy about these encounters. Our hunts to this point had included a first day of sustained high winds and driving rain, while the second day featured 20-plus-mph winds and a morning that began at a chilly 26 degrees. Both days had delivered zero deer sightings. Now somewhat discouraged, I climbed into the treestand and prepared to make the most of my afternoon sit.
“With my trusty Mathews Triax compound, NAP Bloodrunner broadheads and Easton Axis arrows, I was ready to take the first doe to show up, and about 5 p.m., a nice mature KY doe appeared. Soon she was 24 yards broadside—an ideal setup to add some backstraps to the freezer. The only problem, however, was that I’d heard an unmistakable buck grunt just before the doe had emerged. I knew I had to be patient and resist the urge to fill the freezer.
“Soon I saw more movement where the doe had first appeared. I guessed my big moment had arrived. In seconds, I could make out a buck. It was a three-pointer! Now I was upset. I had just let some tasty dinners walk away, and all for a scrub buck. I told myself to be patient and wait. If the doe was hot, I figured she’d certainly attract more attention.
“At 5:08 p.m., a set of big chocolate antlers suddenly appeared, from the same spot the previous two deer had emerged. Instantly I knew the buck was a shooter but had no idea how big, as the cover was too thick. But I did know the deer was on the same trail, and would soon be broadside at 24 yards. As his head passed behind a tree, I drew my bow. He stopped one step too early, hidden behind some scrub brush. Still at full draw, I waited for just one more step. Finally, it came, and I squeezed my TruBall Max 3 Hunter release.
“The arrow hit the buck a little high near the spine, and he dropped in his tracks. I had to climb down and find a way to get another arrow in him, and finally, I did. Once I sent out the buck’s photo, the reaction from my campmates was immediate. Brutus was down! I had no idea of his size or score, but would soon learn he might be the new state record typical archery buck for KY. We will find out on Jan 1, 2020! By the way, I love the HuntStand app! I use it constantly to plan my hunts and look over new tracts of land.”
Editor’s note: According to Pope and Young Club records, the current Kentucky state record typical whitetailed buck measures 188 2/8, and was taken in 1996 by Tim Raikes in Marion County. We’ll continue to follow this story and report on the results of the official scoring of the Terry buck, reportedly set for Jan. 1, 2020.
To enter the HuntStand 2019 Big Buck ALERT contest, simply send us a few clear, high-res. digital photos (three to five) of your 2019 buck bagged after Aug. 31 (Entries accepted THROUGH DEC. 10) along with a brief story of your hunt that explains how the HuntStand app played a part. 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, as well as the fateful day’s wind and weather conditions, and of course, the blow-by-blow account of the exciting action as it unfolded. Include your full name, age, successful hunt date and state, weapon used, and also be sure to include 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 BOTH the Bino Harness X (valued at $49.99) AND Vital X rangefinder pocket (valued at $19.99) from ALPS OutdoorZ (see above).
At the end of the 10 weeks, all weekly winners will be placed in a drawing for our Grand Prize: an ALPS OutdoorZ Contender X pack (valued at $199.99; image above). Pack specialist ALPS is calling this new feature-packed design the ultimate whitetail day pack; the coolness of the Contender X begins with its innovative self-standing L-shape frame, which allows you to set your pack on any flat surface. The unique U-shaped zipper provides extra-large, flip-down top access to the main compartment—ideal for easy gear access while hanging in your stand or sitting on the ground, without losing precious pack contents. You’ll also find Elimishield Scent Control Technology to help eliminate scent, and a Drop Down pocket to carry gun or bow securely.
Good luck out there this fall from all of us here at Team HuntStand and let us know when (and how) you score!
