A jaw-dropping 10-point buck on a regular feeding pattern. A plan is set. When the weather turns squirrelly during that first hunt, the HuntStand ScentCone points the way to success.
Smart bowhunters know early season can be a fine time to ambush a mature whitetail on a regular feeding pattern, especially if you take the time to scout and observe the right places. Kentucky’s Sandy Fulgham, 51, took that time, running game cameras and checking them regularly on his 500-acre farm, of course with regular help from his trusty HuntStand Hunting app. The effort paid off handsomely as you see above, including adding his name to the list of HuntStand 2017 Big Buck Alert winners. Here’s how it all shook down.
“On September 15, 2017 the big 10-point buck that I had as my target, finally shed his velvet,” Fulgham began. “Even better, trail cam photos had him in daylight on the 16th and 17th.
“I decided that while he was in a pattern, to go after him the evening of the 18th. Naturally, I used my HuntStand app on my iPhone to check upcoming wind directions for all my blinds. The forecast was very warm with a favorable wind to hunt the blind where he was showing up. As HuntStand had forecasted, at around 4 p.m. a line of thunderstorms rolled in. I was constantly checking my app, for the wind had now changed directions. The ScentCone doesn’t lie.
“At approximately 5:45 p.m., the rain and wind calmed down,” Fulgham remembered. “The ScentCone was now showing a marginal wind at best, but favorable for where the deer had been emerging. Before conditions worsened, I decided to rush to my blind with my Mathews bow in hand. At 7:05 p.m. the big 10 came out at 25 yards. He quartered away and finally stopped at 42 yards. I released the arrow and the rest is history.
“I hunt with my 13-year-old daughter on our 500 acres here in Logan county. We bowhunt only, and she hasn’t gotten one yet—but she will.
“Thanks for the cool app; the ScentCone is very helpful in preparing for a hunt.”
For his Week Three win, Fulgham will be sent a Team HuntStand-approved Bino Harness X from ALPS OutdoorZ , a $49.99 value. One of the first product extensions to the popular and successful Extreme line from ALPS OutdoorZ, the Bino Harness X (shown above and below) is the ideal companion for your hunting optics. Designed to keep the pocket close to your chest and reduce the amount of movement you’ll feel in your optics, the Bino Harness X is constructed using extra-tough 1680D ballistic nylon fabric, with an easy-to-use one-handed opening mechanism for quick access. A handy lens cloth is included.
To enter the HuntStand 2017 Big Buck ALERT contest, simply send us a few clear, high-res. digital photos (two to four) of your 2017 buck, 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]
