Deer of the Year

Deer of the Year

Morgan Brake NWR produces 180-inch record-book buck

December 12, 2011 Rob Hays

For two years, Andy Lloyd hunted the big buck that his brother Jeff had seen at Morgan Brake National Wildlife Refuge in Holmes County — a small-bodied deer with antlers lacking mass but possessing great length.

“Jeff was ranting about this buck he’d seen, a very tall and very wide rack that he said would go about 160 inches then,” Lloyd said. “I remember he told me, ‘If anyone ever kills that buck, don’t worry, we’ll hear about it.’”

Now, everybody is hearing — and talking — about the big 180-class buck, which Andy Lloyd punched a hole in during an afternoon hunt on Dec. 7 during the NWR’s annual muzzleloader hunt. […]

Deer of the Year

Another Giles Island monster buck killed

December 8, 2011 Andy Crawford

Ricky Rogillio saw that huge buck the first time during an early season bow hunt, when he took a client to Giles Island Hunting Club. It was monstrous, with two drop tines dripping from the left main beam.

“I saw videos of it, and I knew I wanted to come back,” the Walker hunter said. “I worried it wouldn’t be there when I got back.”

He left the island last Wednesday (Nov. 30) with the 175-inch rack cooling in the back of his truck. […]

Deer of the Year

10-year-old Hernando hunter kills 143-inch trophy buck

November 21, 2011 Andy Crawford

Kent Porter was just taking his two kids hunting on a buddy’s property in Tate County on Wednesday afternoon (Nov. 16), and by 4:15 p.m. the Hernando hunter was being absolutely pestered to death by his 10-year-old son Cody who wanted to pop a spike standing in front of the stand in which the hunters were concealed.

The elder Porter absolutely refused to allow it, and now young Cody is probably happy because a mere 30 minutes later a monster 10-point walked out. That deer later green scored 143 inches Boone & Crockett. […]

Deer of the Year

Swayze Bozeman arrows 160-class buck

November 16, 2011 Rob Hays

Cousins Swayze and Trey Bozeman of Flora share a lot in common, more than just the blood that flows through their veins. They both have fathers who love the outdoors and are extremely dedicated to their families. The dads love to hunt and fish, and at Bozeman Farms in Madison County, they share those passions with their sons.

And, oh yeah, let’s not forget another thing the two boys have in common: They have both taken bucks with drop tines. […]

Deer of the Year

Big Claiborne County 8-point arrowed

November 9, 2011 Andy Crawford

Doug Atkins will remember Nov. 5 for more than the big LSU-Alabama football showdown. In fact, his celebration began an hour before that game even kicked off when he arrowed the biggest 8-point of his life.

“I’m that guy who’s hunted for 23 years and never pulled the trigger on a deer like that,” Atkins said. […]