Jeff's Three-Beamed Oklahoma Buck

by
posted on August 23, 2010
2010823135815-jeff-herrmann-ok-f.jpg

New Jersey hunter Jeff Herrmann had shot a lot of deer in his day, but he’d never killed a trophy-class buck. Last year he decided: I’m going wherever it takes to finally get a big one.

Jeff wasn’t looking for a full-service outfitter with a fancy lodge. He just wanted to hunt good ground in a state with big-buck potential. Chats on one of his favorite hunting forums led him to an Oklahoma landowner who was looking to book just a few hunters on his working cattle ranch. Jeff did some research. He mapped out the ranch and studied the November hunt dates. He called the rancher back and set up the hunt.

Jeff hopped a plane to Oklahoma City, drove three hours and arrived at the ranch. Paradise! He’d be staying in a cool guesthouse in the middle of 6,000 acres. Best of all, the only other hunter would be hunting the ranch later during the rifle season.

Jeff scouted and hiked and saw a ton of deer. On the second morning he spotted a buck he knew to be a very nice 10-point. The shot was 197 yards with his .280 Ack. Imp. Piece of cake for Jeff, who shoots his guns a lot throughout the year. The buck buckled and ran 50 yards.

“I was absolutely amazed when I walked up to him,” said Jeff. “I knew he was a nice one, but he had three beams.” The mainframe 10-point’s bonus beam was 12 inches long. The rack, scored as a 16-point non-typical, went 171 5/8 net.

Lessons Learned
-Visit websites and forums and network with other serious deer hunters across the country. It is buyer beware, but if you do your homework and follow up with solid research you can find a dream hunt online. At least it can be a good place to start.

-A private ranch hunt like Jeff found—semi-guided with a place to stay and access to prime land with little pressure—offers some of the best deer hunting in the country, and at an affordable price. Be on the lookout for such an opportunity.

-Jeff shoots and tests guns and loads throughout the year, so when that Okie buck stepped out at 200 yards it was lights out. If you’re headed to open country, shoot steadily before your trip so you’ll have that kind of skill and confidence.

Latest

Maven RS1.2 Lede
Maven RS1.2 Lede

#SundayGunday: Maven RS1.2 Riflescope

This week on #SundayGunday, we're taking a look at the Maven RS1.2 Riflescope. This first focal plane (FFP) optic is tailored for western hunters seeking range and precision, boasting low-dispersion ED glass and a 2.5-15 magnification range. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

First Look: Apex Ammunition 20-Gauge TSS/S3 Steel Waterfowl Blend

Apex Ammunition is expanding its TSS/S3 Steel Waterfowl Blend line of shotshells with the addition of a 20-gauge, 3-inch load combining 7/8 ounce No. 2 steel and ¼ ounce No. 7.5 Tungsten Super Shot.

Recipe: Venison Rissoles

Like Rissoles? Love venison? Brad Fenson shows his readers how to combine these two favorites.

What to Do When Elk Ignore Your Calls

Shooting a bull as it comes stomping to your calls is an adrenaline rush, surely, but you need to be ready for silence. Here’s how to work your calls on low or mute.

Conservation Policy Recommendations in Seventh Edition of Wildlife for the 21st Century

The American Wildlife Conservation Partners (AWCP)—comprised of the nation’s top 52 sporting-conservation organizations, including the NRA—released its Wildlife for the 21st Century, Volume VII (W-21) on Sept. 11.

Wisconsin Wolf Ends Opening Day Hunt

On Sept. 21, opening day, a group of young waterfowl hunters made their way to their blind in Wisconsin slightly before 4 a.m. Sunrise wasn’t due for more than two hours, but while they waited one of the young hunters in the group thought they heard a deer approaching.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.