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

25 RPM
25 RPM

New for 2026: Weatherby .25 RPM

For 2026, Weatherby has extended its cartridge line with the addition of the .25 Rebated Precision Magnum, the third in the series.

Waterfowl Hunting on a Shoestring Budget

Want to get into waterfowl hunting, but on a tight budget? Try these tips to get into the action this year and have something to show for your efforts!

Sierra Bullets 2026 Lineup

Last month, Sierra Bullets announced its 2026 new product lineup. Beginning in early 2026, all new products will be available at stocking dealers, major retail sporting goods stores, their websites and SierraBullets.com.

Franklin Armory Introduces Total Round Control Prevail Bolt Action

Franklin Armory's TRC action is designed to control each round through the entire feeding-chambering-firing-extraction-ejection cycle, so nothing is left to chance, eliminating the Push Feed (PF) versus Controlled Round Feed (CRF) dilemma.

Top 10 Rimfire Loads for Hunters

Phil Massaro loves rimfire rifles of all shapes and sizes, and enjoys the majority of rimfire cartridges available. Here is his top ten of the latter, in no particular order.

Tips for Waterfowl Hunters to Safeguard Against Bird Flu

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has issued a reminder for waterfowl hunters that applies throughout the nation. Following a few simple step can protect yourself and domestic animals from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), which is commonly known as bird flu.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.