Illinois Hunter Tags a 30-Pointer…Doe!

by
posted on December 19, 2011
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
lessons_ah2015_fs.jpg (10)

Say you are out for a morning on the deer stand. You’re looking for a decent buck, but your scouting revealed that the best you can hope for is an 8-pointer. Suddenly you catch a glimpse of antler moving through the brush. You start breathing heavier and deeper as the deer steps into a partial clearing because, as you start evaluating the head, you realize there’s more antler and points than you have ever seen. They're everywhere!

That’s pretty much the story Richard Lomas had concerning his Mt. Erie, Ill., deer hunt on December 2. Lomas knocked down the deer and went to retrieve his once-in-a-lifetime prize when he got his second surprise of the morning—his 30-point buck was actually a 30-point doe!

Lomas has since become something of a local celebrity with his doe. Bass Pro Shops has reputedly offered him $50,000 for the head, and there are others seeking access to this rare deer. He is still trying to determine what he’ll do with it.

The doe has been aged at 4 1/2 years, and its rarity has been estimated at 1 in 4,500. Talk about hormone issues!

Latest

LEDE Hunter With Deer, Past And Present
LEDE Hunter With Deer, Past And Present

Member's Hunt: The Spot

Back in 1963, my dad asked if I wanted to go deer hunting in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (what we locals call the U.P.). We had no tent, no camper and no cabin, although we did have a horse truck, and we converted it into a deer camp. Read on for this week's Member's Hunt, from Jim Mikkelsen.

Late Season Decoy Mix

In the final days of duck season, don’t be afraid to change the look of your decoy spreads. Be it a simple alteration or a bold move, a different presentation can be all it takes to provide a strong finish to the season.

New for 2026: Stealth Cam 3.0 Tail Cameras

Stealth Cam has announced its 3.0 trail camera line, with some major tech-forward improvements over its previous generations. Designed for hunters and wildlife managers, these cameras introduce a suite of technologies designed to push surveillance capabilities to the next level, all accessible through the Command app.

Kifaru Launches New Hunting Apparel System

“This system is a purpose-driven solution for the tough environments and unpredictable scenarios outdoor enthusiasts’ encounter. Every piece was designed to help hunters meet those challenges head on.”

Hardware Review: Sierra MatchKing X

Sierra MatchKing bullets have been setting the accuracy standard for handloaders since the Truman administration. Now, they have redesigned their classic MatchKing bullet for hunting, with a softer lead core, tapered jacket and a skived nose to help it expand. They call the bullet the MatchKing X (MKX).

New for 2026: Lapua TRX Tipped

Lapua has expanded its True-Range Expanding (TRX) family of products to include several new ammunition offerings.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.