PA ‘Survivor’ Buck Is Back! [Big Buck HIT LIST]

Most of us have heard (and likely agree with) the old saying, “….a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” But I guess it depends on who you ask. Pennsylvania’s Stephen Harding felt himself fortunate last fall to bag an 8-point buck with his bow last fall…or at least until he checked his game cameras the very next day, and found images of a much larger buck. To add even more drama, this was a buck Harding had never seen before.

Team HuntStand knows how challenging bowhunting can be, and right off the top we’d like to congratulate Mr. Harding on his Fall of 2016 bowhunting success. After all, no matter what their dimensions, eight-point bucks aren’t anything to sneeze at. But this is a story that seems to paint an even happier ending, just one reason why Harding is the Week Five winner in our Big Buck HIT LIST contest. And because we can’t wait to hear how this all plays out.

“Here are a few photos of a buck I have coming into my food plot regularly,” Harding explained. “This particular food plot runs along a creek on my hunting property. I shot an 8-point buck last archery season, and this guy popped up on my cameras the very next day. I was beside myself, and hoped he would make it through the later rifle season. The good news? The buck is not only back, but is bigger this year! He sits at the very top of my Hit List! I cannot wait for archery season; I’m looking to take him down with my compound bow.”

For his Week Five win, Harding will be sent a new-for-2017 Thermacell MR450 Handheld Repeller (see image above), valued at $35. More good news? There are seven more opportunities to win a MR450 of your own.

To enter the HuntStand 2017 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 2017 (day or night images, photos accepted through Sept. 18). Include a few sentences detailing the type of terrain/area where the image(s) were captured (field edge, favorite stand site, 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, age, photo date(s) and state, and also be sure to include your mailing address. Your e-mail subject line should read: Big Buck HIT LIST! Send your photo(s) and requested info to: [email protected]

Thermacell took years of feedback from their customers aimed at the Handheld Repeller, and completely revamped the design, creating the new MR450. The redesigned grill allows for better airflow in an upright position, which helps emit a more-effective zone of protection if attached to your belt. The ignition switch is 50 to 80 percent quieter, and every unit comes with a belt clip for easy access and storage.

Maybe the most exciting feature is the indicator light, which illuminates when the unit has reached the appropriate temperature to emit the zone of protection. The indicator light will also let users know when the unit is running low on fuel—rather than being attacked by mosquitoes. The MR450 uses the same mats and butane cartridges as previous units, so users will experience the same mosquito-free sits in treestands and ground blinds.

PA ‘Survivor’ Buck Is Back! [Big Buck HIT LIST]

by Mark Melotik

Part of the beauty of deer and deer hunting is the wide variety of animals, and encounters. When you add game cameras into the mix, the plot can thicken quickly. Here’s a great example.

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