It wasn't until later that evening that anyone mentioned measuring the antlers. "I didn't wait very long before getting down and finding him," John admits. He shot the 30-point, 253 0/8-inch (scored by the state’s Buck and Bear Club) buck in Buffalo County on a deer drive with a Browning 12-gauge. Searching for these antlers has become known as “shed hunting,” a pastime that introduced Olsen to … As if picking up the scent of a “hot” doe, the huge buck then turned back in the direction from which he’d just come. ", The trail camera photo was captured by one of John's neighbors. He's perfectly fine with that, because he has the memories to share with those that are most important to him. That evening the Kassera garage was filled with excited family, friends and neighbors. They're just grateful for the opportunity, and they're thankful for the true blessings in life. ©2021 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Amazing buck! All North American Whitetail subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Menu. Prior to taking this deer, I’d never had one scored, let alone a world-class whitetail. Obviously, things are working pretty well in Wisconsin. The buck was shot 100% legally and is definitely a possibility to take over the record books as the new Wisconsin State Record Typical Archery Buck. He disappeared into the vegetation. "If we weren't hunting then we were fishing," explains John. As I recall, the only living things I ever saw were squirrels and crows. The panel confirmed John's buck as a new Wisconsin archery typical state record. I prefer to not use an artificial light in the woods, especially close to my hunting spot. ... We did our best in making the correct determination but if there is a different state record please let us know. I was in a pinch point between natural and manmade barriers that funneled deer, and I had cover all around me. The does were nervous and fidgety, and they kept looking behind them. All North American Whitetail subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. What may be the biggest whitetail deer ever harvested by a hunter was taken August 25 at the Apple Creek Whitetail Ranch in Gillett, Wisconsin. I speculated the big one was bedding on one of a couple nearby private properties. And, just last week, members of the Wisconsin club refused to take a look at the deer while most of them were in Madison, the state’s capital, for the Wisconsin Deer & Turkey Expo — one of the nation’s largest gatherings of trophy whitetail hunters and antler enthusiasts. Had I heard him fall or just lie down? I watched him run, then turn just a bit more to the south. With the calmness of a veteran and the steadiness of a surgeon, he released an arrow at the biggest buck he'd ever seen. He hadn’t gone 50 yards. Fortunately, the giant whitetail never gave John time to get excited. No Image Found! "I knew right away it was a good hit," says John. As I approached the huge 6x6, I couldn’t stop staring at his antlers. So, now for the data. What you may not be aware of is the fact that the Wisconsin archery typical record has now been broken three times in the past four seasons! It all started with chocolate milk and donuts. That score is bolstered by 30-inch main beams, 42 inches of mass and five points over 11 inches tall. The does milled around upwind of his stand before eventually disappearing over the ridge to a large cornfield. If you study record book whitetails then you know that Wisconsin has long been a hotbed for giant bucks. For some hunters, the biggest challenge is deciding what food plot to sit over or what deluxe box blind to sit in. Then John Kassera topped them all once again in 2015. In the 30 days prior to filling my bow tag last fall, I hunted in five counties. Crossbow hunter Cody Tucker first saw "Geronimo" on camera in July. In 2012 Dusty Gerrits took a Fond du Lac County bruiser that officially scored 187 7/8, becoming a new state record. Regardless, his experience served him well as he readied himself for the kill. As the woods lightened, nature came to life. John was born and raised in the area, and he grew up hunting and fishing. Now that I look back, I’m sure the deer were watching from afar and laughing as I sneaked through the woods. Below is the complete gallery of all of Boone and Crockett Club's current World's Records. I had my ceremonial glass of chocolate milk prior to leaving for the hunt, then drove to the chosen spot well before legal light. Subscriber Services. Those hunters still rely on just being present in the woods; they don't worry about what may or may not show up. But for some, old habits die hard. The current record holder is a 30-pointer that was shot by Elmer Gotz in Buffalo all the way back in 1973. A 40-point non-typical monster buck with an estimated green, gross score of 280-plus inches... An outside spread that nearly equals a yardstick? Brian Butcher's 321 3/8-inch net non-typical Kansas whitetail steals the attention of the 2020... An outside spread that nearly equals a yardstick? There were doe bedding areas all around, and I’d recently seen a lot of daytime activity of does and other bucks. I rarely hunted, due to lack of time. John Annett. Give a Gift   Learn how and why planting warm-season food plots can benefit you and your deer herd. Wisconsin’s firearm record for a non-typical whitetail was set in 1973 by retired game warden Elmer Gotz. just a little bit of everything . I think a person can get too caught up in expectations after a trail camera shows you what's there. Three days after Christmas, Henderson Coquat was heading toward a … The buck's gross typical score of 201 5/8 is huge, as is his net score of 193 4/8. So enjoy the big bucks. My dad would often harvest deer, and we’d eat just about everything but the hooves. Finally, based on scouting, I knew there were traditional scrape and rub lines in the vicinity. The record had previously been held by the James Jordan buck, shot in Wisconsin in 1914. Suddenly, Colleen was by his side! I often get “counseled” by my wife because I get so focused that all I think about, talk about and plan for is the next hunt. But following the 60-day drying period, I found myself the holder of the Wisconsin typical archery record. (Photo: WhaleTalesArchery.com) A giant nontypical buck — that has been reportedly gross-scored 244 inches — could be a new record in Wisconsin. The clean rack has a gross typical score of 201 0/8 and a net of 192 6/8. He immediately grabbed his bow and stood to prepare himself for what he hoped would be the chance of his lifetime. If you're armed with the right supplies – and the proper snacks – a routine day afield can... Good location is just part of the equation. Note: All data from Canadian provinces have been excluded for the sake of state-ranking purposes. Don't learn the hard way. His sense of urgency was sharp because of the 60-degree temperature; he didn't want to risk having the deer spoil. Wisconsin may be able to boast as the home of the world record whitetail buck. As the field dressing commenced, John was shocked by his next surprise. After years of frustration, Mike finally got a 33-yard shot at “The Freak.”, Give a Gift   Wisconsin’s firearm record for a non-typical whitetail was set in 1973 by retired game warden Elmer Gotz. The buck chose to parallel the upwind trail. John thought for sure there would be a buck following them, but it wasn't meant to be. Making an extreme move to another state to chase public-land bucks worked out for Jake Bush. With the right cover and wind, I’ve had deer walk almost on top of me with no idea of my presence. One trail was below the deer and passed downwind of John's stand. Don't learn the hard way. After waiting 61 days for the drying period to end, local resident Jeff Feckner — who is both a Boone & Crockett and Wisconsin Buck & Bear club measurer — headed a panel scoring consisting of six participants. The ghostly appearance of such a large buck had actually stunned the hunter, but only temporarily. At least, that’s how I remember it. . I enjoy learning new properties and figuring out deer movement nearly as much as I do harvesting deer. What can you do to ease the physical and mental rigors of being caught at full draw? What You Need to Know About Decoying Bucks, Choose the Right Load for Your Muzzleloader, Preparing for All-Day Sits in the Deer Woods, Wireless Whitetail Work: Moultrie Mobile Does it All, Whitetail Nutrition Calendar: What Deer Eat and When, Brian Butcher Downs Stunning 321-Inch Kansas Buck, Ultra-Wide Whitetail Arrowed in Ohio Amish Country, Illinois Trophy Buck Downed in October Cold Front, Why Plant Warm-Season Food Plots for Deer, Importance of Conducting Soil Tests for Food Plots, Deer Herd Health and Antler Development with Mineral Supplementation. I couldn’t find it or any blood. While I walked, I finally saw several drops of blood. Be prepared to take care of the carcass and cape after downing your trophy buck. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. What You Need to Know About Decoying Bucks, BREAKING NEWS: Kansas Teen Tags Potential Women's World Record Buck, Ultra-Wide Whitetail Arrowed in Ohio Amish Country, Uno: The 5-Year Quest for an Illinois Monster Buck, Wisconsin Record Archery Buck: Arrowed from the Ground, On Target: Tips for Handgun Hunting Accuracy. That score is bolstered by 30-inch main beams, 42 inches of mass and five points over 11 inches tall. "I appreciate the surprise factor. Inda took the rest of the week off. Here's the research behind doing it right. Would You Relocate Just to Hunt Big Deer? 12/23 Update: The buck has not yet had its 60-day drying period to get an official score, but new estimates put the buck at 209 4/8 inches gross and 192 6/8 inches net. This is definitely the find of a lifetime. Once again, I barely slept that night. The Wisconsin Buck & Bear Club, the state’s official big game record keepers, announced that the Badger State had a new archery whitetail record after John Kassera harvested a … Prior to taking this deer, I’d never had one scored, let alone a world-class whitetail. The right arrow for your setup will boost your whitetail body count. The buck had only gone 75-80 yards before piling up at the base of the ridge. This site was chosen because of the two trails that ran parallel with the ridge. During mid-October through gun season, even on non-hunting days I always shower with scent-free wash and apply unscented deodorant, just in case I get the chance to sneak away from work early and slip into the woods. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Please let us know if you find one! Amazingly, this find … There was no hesitation; I knew right away this was a buck I wanted to shoot.". I’d seen many bucks while hunting, but nothing even close to this. All Rights Reserved. The next morning, I planned to scout my primary point and hunt a bit before work. Almost immediately, the deer sprinted back in the same direction from which he’d come. John started the morning of Nov. 5 in a ladder stand before daylight. 2012 was the year of … Will Wireless Trail Cameras Make You a Better Hunter? More importantly, the stand also sat within a saddle between two ridges, making it an ideal travel corridor for any deer wanting to travel from the cornfield above to the alfalfa field below. Once I had a bit of ambient light I was able to finish the walk quietly, as the ground was covered mostly in pine needles. The buck had appeared suddenly at 75 yards around the edge of a ridge before making his way to the right of John's stand. This Ohio buck is crazy wide. That buck was beaten in 2014 by a 191 6/8-inch Dodge County deer killed by Brian Hupf. Haynes Shelton and Dr. James Kroll talk about how to supply your deer herd with key minerals, and how to avoid the most common mistakes. Photo courtesy of John Kassera. John Kassera is most definitely that type of hunter. In blackpowder hunting, details always matter. I hardly slept that night. Carl Lenander Jr. Record was broke by the deer shot in our #1 Spot! The other ran above the deer and upwind of the tree stand. Haynes Shelton and Dr. James Kroll discuss how proper doe harvest is critical to herd balance and health. Not only did Milo’s trophy handily beat the whitetail that had been the world’s biggest typical for more than three-quarters of a century, but he’s still the buck to beat in the typical category. John claims that the largest buck he'd taken prior to the 2015 season would probably be in the 125-inch range. "I wouldn't have wanted anyone else there at that moment. I rushed back and squeezed in a short hunt on the evening of Nov. 14. I took two deep breaths to calm my nerves and planned to shoot once he again was in the open. If that was the case, there might be only a few days (at most) when he’d be huntable by me. On April 13, the bucks final scoring came in at a gross 221-6/8 beating the Milo Hanson buck from Saskatchewan. Mom would cook the steaks almost “fire truck to your house” well done. And it's good to hear there are still a few old-school hunters around. Between the two of them, they have always secured a winter's supply of venison. It happened so quickly I was excited, anxious and in shock at the same time. and then nothing. John couldn't have chosen a better location. Both sightings occurred in the past two years. One look at his rack told me it must score in the 180s, and a bit of buck fever set in. Huge Wisconsin Typical Buck Shot with Bow. He seemed oblivious to his surroundings and was walking briskly towards whatever destination he had in mind. John himself did not use trail cameras to pattern the buck, deciding instead to hunt the "old school" way. I didn’t realize most steaks were beef until I was nearly into high school, because venison was our norm. John knew within a split second exactly what he was looking at. One neighboring landowner showed John a couple of trail camera photos he had recently gotten of the buck. But in this instance, it was more evident than ever. But while I’d seen many bucks in early season, I hadn’t seen any big ones within range. At approximately 3 p.m., the silence of the woods was broken by the loud smack of an arrow hitting its target. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Just like humans, whitetail deer need a well-rounded diet throughout the year. "I knew I had to focus on my target or I would probably mess it up, so I just looked at a very small spot right behind his shoulder," the hunter remembers. Photo courtesy of John Kassera, His first thought was to call Colleen, but she didn't answer her phone. I was certain he’d start moving more in daylight hours, based on recent deer activity in the area. In fact, the state continues to be one of the top B&C-deer-producing states in North America. The birds began to chirp, and squirrels started their usual ruckus. John is a very humble man, and he knows that someday his record will be broken. Around 9 a.m., four does appeared around the corner of the ridge. The buck I ended up shooting was one I’d seen only twice. Taking mostly does and the occasional buck, neither will confess to being trophy hunters. I cleared out a little area on the ground and set up my hunting stool in the midst of some small pines. My older son, Devin, and I had seen him crossing a field late one evening in November ’17. Hunter Michael Gregoire of Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin, may be on the brink of breaking both the Boone and Crockett as well as the Pope and Young World Whitetail Records. After the 60-day drying period, Norm Parchewsky , Robert Allemand , and Allan Holtvogt , all Boone and Crockett official measurers, scored the buck at 213-1/8 in a ceremony attended by more than 400 people. For the next 20 or so minutes I sat there and replayed it all in my head. ", I pressed a little more and asked again. The husband and wife team have hunted together for many years. Wisconsin Has a New Record Whitetail Buck OutdoorHub Reporters 12.18.14 The Wisconsin Buck & Bear Club (WBBC) recently announced that they’ve certified a … My window of opportunity had again cracked open, and the countdown was on. #1. John had chosen his stand location wisely, electing to hunt a saddle where deer could travel freely between a corn and alfalfa field. 1 typical archery whitetail on record in Wisconsin by almost two inches. November day in 1926, Minnesota. This time he was a little more open and answered: "I practically beat him down the hill!". Everyone wanted to see the giant buck. For several years, though, the couple has been practicing restraint when it comes to young bucks. "I certainly didn't have to second guess or wonder how big he was. Wisconsin does it again! The process included looking at aerial photos and topographic maps of previously marked waypoints showing scrapes, rubs, travel corridors and bedding areas. That was my favorite part of hunting as a kid: stopping en route to the woods to get a sweet breakfast. With a net score of 191 6/8 inches, Hupf’s buck has been confirmed as the new No. I went home and began to come up with a plan. Haynes Shelton talks about why it is critical for property owners to conduct a simple soil test before planning and planting food plots for wildlife. The buck wasn't following any trail. I’ve had situations in which I couldn’t shoot because there was either vegetation in the way or not enough cover to permit any movement without getting busted. Dad would simply hand you a gun and say, “OK, we’ll meet back here at X time.” And . I sat down, ranged a few spots with my Bushnell Clearshot, checked my watch (6:24), attached the T.R.U. In fact, the Badger State continues to be one of the top Boone and Crockett Club deer-producing states in North America. After a bit, I decided to go look for the Carbon Express arrow. I’d never want to wound an animal, especially a buck such as this. The buck acted as if he were on a mission. This was my second season after switching to G5 Montec fixed-blade broadheads, and I even began to second-guess that choice. Also, Jon Dittmer of Spring Creek Taxidermy made me an incredible replica, and DuWayne Cournoyer turned out an amazing shoulder mount. After asking him how long he had waited, John replied: "Not near as long as they recommend. Upon impact, the huge buck wheeled and ran downhill, running directly underneath the ladder stand where John was perched. I combined this spike in movement with previously marked buck sign, figured in hunting pressure and then narrowed it all down to two spots. Carl preferred to sleep in and do about anything but get up early to hunt. Not knowing what else to do, I spent hours trying to sneak around the deer woods without any idea of the importance of wind direction. Answers to the most popular decoying questions to bring bucks your way! "That's when the shock of it all started to settle in," explains John. Wisconsin’s firearm record for a non-typical whitetail was set in 1973 by retired game warden Elmer Gotz. B&C World's Record Gallery However, it is important to take a look at the history of records keeping and celebrate those big game trophies that hold the top spot in their respective categories. By the time John arrived, the huge deer had already expired. There's no one and no deer that can ever take that away from him. Making an extreme move to another state to chase public-land bucks worked out for Jake Bush. We break down the truth on these cellular-enabled scouters. As my job at the time required me to travel over most of the state, I always kept my bow, climbing stand and other gear in the vehicle throughout archery season. About 10 minutes before legal light, I arrived at my spot. The two admired the giant buck together, each realizing that a moment like this would probably never happen for them again. . Now, my heart rate always increases once I decide to shoot, whether it be a buck or a doe. That made it all perfect.". The panel confirmed John's buck as a new Wisconsin archery typical state record. After all, I rarely saw deer while afield. I looked up, and there the buck lay. This was a record that held for over 50-years. The X-6000 series is the latest top-notch wireless trail camera option from Moultrie. John and his wife, Colleen, own and live on 40 acres in La Crosse County, Wisconsin, near the town of Rockland. When hunting on the ground, I wear a leafy headnet and ghillie suit top. He’d put on some size. lauramerritt96. With so many large whitetail bucks in the record books, the chances of taking a new number one seem impossible. Fast-forward a few years and I was in the Air Force, spending nearly half the year traveling. I thought I’d gather more intel on the spot and then take Friday off work to do a full-day sit, with the gun season opener on the horizon.