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

LEDEW H2026 08 Knowhow IMG 0478
LEDEW H2026 08 Knowhow IMG 0478

Rethinking Ragù: Venison Ragù Bianco

In Italy, ragù simply refers to a slow-cooked meat sauce. Bolognese—ragù alla Bolognese—is just one regional variation that originated in Bologna and traditionally incorporates tomatoes, wine, milk, and finely minced meat simmered low and slow until deeply rich and complex. But some of the most beautiful ragù dishes in Italy contain little or no tomato at all. This version uses axis deer simply because that’s what I happened to have in the freezer, but this sauce works beautifully with almost any species of venison.

USFWS Releases 2026 Waterfowl Population Survey Results

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has released its 2026 Waterfowl Population Status Report. This report contains results from surveys and population estimation methods conducted by the USFWS, Canadian Wildlife Service and numerous state and provincial partners.

Planning a DIY Antelope Hunt

The tag is drawn. Now what? Here’s how to prepare for your first self-guided antelope hunt.

#SundayGunday: Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2

This #SundayGunday, with rifle seasons coming up across the country, we’re going to talk about an awesome rifle optic from Leupold: the VX-5HD.

Free Recipe Collection Celebrates Hi Mountain Seasonings’ 35th Anniversary

Hi Mountain Seasonings is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a new collection of wild game recipes designed to help hunters make the most of their harvest.

President Trump Defends Hunters and Thanks the NRA

In a historic day at the White House on September 17, President Donald Trump (R) signed an executive order to protect and enhance hunters’ part in the North American Wildlife Conservation Model.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.