004Featured Story: The True Field of Dreams - My Illinois Deer Hunting Experiance
posted by admin on June 29th, 2008
By Shannon Green
I had always heard stories about the famous Golden Triangle, particularly west-central Illinois. In 2002, I finally got the chance to hunt in this bowhunter’s paradise and harvested the biggest buck of my life - a 152-inch 10-pointer from Brown County. I was not able to go back until 2004, when I took a very nice 10-pointer in Pike County.
Then there was last season. I knew the guys from Midwest Whitetail Adventures and was eager to hunt with them. I arrived in Adams Co., Illinois, on Nov. 4 with great anticipation. The weather had been unseasonably warm the few days prior to my arrival. At the beginning of the 2005 season, I had decided that I would set my standards a little higher and go after a really mature buck.
My stand was located in some hardwoods a few yards off of a freshly cut cornfield. The rolling hills made a beautiful backdrop, and I was ready to see what the next six days had to offer. The very first afternoon I knew I was in for an exciting hunt when I saw two shooter bucks; one was well within bow range. This seemed to be the pattern every day. I saw a lot of 140- and 150-class deer; however, I was determined to stick to my plans to hold out for something special.
The morning of Nov. 10 brought a high-pressure system and crisp 28-degree weather. I had a feeling things would be hopping; I just didn’t know how quickly it would begin. Just after daybreak, I heard something walking along the ridgeline. Like a ghost, a huge rack appeared. The second I saw this guy, I knew passing all of those earlier opportunities had been the right move.
I took my Mathews Switchback off the hanger and got into position. This bruiser was headed straight for my stand. It only took about 60 seconds from the moment he first appeared until he was directly below me. I drew back and let the arrow fly. I knew the shot was dead on and watched as he ran about 50 yards and crashed.
I thought I had taken a nice, heavy 8-pointer. I had no idea he was that he was as heavy as he turned out to be. When I got to him, I dropped to my knees and thanked the Lord above. I knew I was one blessed hunter. The 260-pound buck had 13 points, a 16-inch inside spread and scored 172 5/8 in the Buckmasters Trophy Records scoring system.
Thanks to the guys at Midwest Whitetail Adventures for the hunt of a lifetime. I hope to return one day to this true field of dreams.
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