New World-Record Non-Typical Mule Deer Confirmed by Pope and Young Club

by
posted on April 4, 2019
** 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. **
bennett-wrnon-typicalmuledeer_lead.jpg
Dennis Bennett, courtesy of Pope and Young Club

On Jan. 9, the Pope and Young Club assembled a special panel of judges in Regina, Saskatchewan, to confirm a new world record non-typical mule deer.

The new record buck, taken by Dennis Bennett on Oct. 1, 2018, near the Arm River sports a five-by-five typical frame with an additional 15 non-typical points per side. With a green-score 303-0/8 inches and a final score of 291-⅛ inches, Bennett’s new world-record buck exceeded the score of the previous record non-typical mule deer (shot by Kenneth Plank in 1987) by 16-2/8 inches.

Photo credit: Dennis Bennett, courtesy of Pope and Young Club

On the morning of his record-breaking hunt, Bennett got within 44 yards of the deer, but was left with no shot when the massive buck bolted after being surprised by a smaller buck bedded close by. Returning to the same area that afternoon, Bennett spotted the large buck again, this time bedded down over 300 yards away. After a long and careful stalk to get within bow range, the buck stood, and Bennett let his arrow fly at 37 yards, sinking a broadside hit and dropping the monster muley where it stood.

“It was a pleasure to be part of the panel recognizing this beautiful non-typical mule deer from Saskatchewan as a New World Record. The pictures of this deer do not do it justice,” said Eli Randall, Records Director for the Pope and Young Club.

Bennett’s non-typical mule deer will be on display at the Pope and Young Club's 31st Biennial Convention in Omaha Neb., April 10-13, 2019. It will accompany both the new world record Alaskan brown bear, which scored 29-4/16 inches, and the new world record bighorn sheep that had a final score of 209-⅛ inches.

Latest

Fenson Deep Rooted Venison Stew (6)
Fenson Deep Rooted Venison Stew (6)

Recipe: Deep-Rooted Venison Stew

Several friends and I often circle back to the same campfire debate about which wild game makes the best stew. Mule deer usually leads the pack, with moose close behind, but any well-handled game meat can stand out when you build the right layers of flavor. The real magic starts long before the broth simmers. It comes from the vegetables and mushrooms you choose.

61-Year-Old Elk-Hunting Dream Fulfilled in Michigan

Michigan elk hunters faced challenging weather and storm-ravaged terrain to harvest 153 elk in 2025. That didn’t deter Bruce Nelson of Hastings, Mich. He applied for an elk license every year Michigan has held a drawing.

New for 2026: Blaser R8 Professional 2.0

The Blaser R8 Professional 2.0 promises to be the modern evolution of the iconic straight-pull rifle. The rifle features a new, ergonomically optimized vertical pistol grip for increased comfort and improved control when firing, and its ambidextrous palm swell fits both right- and left-handed shooters.

New for 2026: Leupold BX-6 Range HD Rangefinding Binocular

Leupold has launched its BX-6 Range HD rangefinding binocular. With fast, accurate ranging capabilities out to 6,000 yards, an advanced ballistics intelligence and precision GPS pinning, the BX-6 Range HD is looking to carve out a space for itself as a feature-rich rangefinding offering.

(Squirrel) Dog Days in the Delta

In the Deep South, Ringo and Max prove the sole purpose in the life of a feist is to hunt squirrels.

Primos Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

Primos, now a Revelyst brand, will continue its 50th anniversary celebration throughout 2026 with a brand refresh, new product launches, storytelling initiatives and moments that honor the hunters and traditions that made the brand what it is today.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.