A new hunting lease. A well-placed trail camera. Watch as they come together to deliver a revealing glimpse into the growth of a trophy whitetail buck.
Taylor Hancock, 28, of East Alton, IL, has got lots to look forward to this year. Maybe first and foremost will be the first season of hunting his brand-new Illinois lease, where he captured the images of this fine buck (above and below) this spring and summer. And of course, the fact you’re viewing this buck is Hancock’s other excitement; he is the Week One Winner of the HuntStand Big Buck HIT LIST contest that makes him eligible for a sweet new hunting optic. What makes Hancock’s entry so neat and intriguing is that he included four separate photos of the same buck ranging from May 4 to June 29; be sure to note the image dates, and growth progression, of this trophy Illinois whitetail that is sure to add several more inches before all is said and done this summer.
“This is a new lease that I’ve never hunted before,” Hancock said. “I found a nice funnel with a cornfield to the east and a soybean field to the west, and what seems to be a bedding area to the south. I’m hoping to see this buck while hunting this property this year.”
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 are showcasing beginning today. 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!
