There are moments in hunting that feel almost surreal, and my biggest buck with a bow is one of those unforgettable experiences. Not only was it the harvest of a lifetime, but it was also my first self-filmed saddle hunt. The combination of the bow, the saddle, and the perfect deer made this hunt one that will be etched in my memory forever.
The Setup: Self-Filming and Saddle Hunting
For years, I had been experimenting with self-filming my hunts, and I’d always wanted to try saddle hunting for the added mobility and stealth it offers. That year, I decided to combine both—self-filming and saddle hunting—for what I hoped would be an epic adventure. I found a perfect spot along a well-used trail where a mature buck had been spotted in the area.
The setup wasn’t easy. Climbing into the saddle, securing my camera, and getting everything in place while trying to remain as quiet as possible made the anticipation all the more nerve-wracking. But I was determined to make it work. I had my bow ready, my camera focused, and the area seemed prime.
The Moment of Truth: A Giant Buck Steps In
The morning started with little movement, but the stillness was almost peaceful. The sun was just starting to rise, and the woods were coming to life. About an hour into the hunt, I heard the crunch of leaves and twigs in the distance. Slowly, a huge buck emerged from the woods, making his way down the trail that I had been patiently waiting for. My heart raced as I quietly adjusted my position in the saddle, trying not to make a sound while keeping the camera rolling.
The buck was enormous, his antlers wide and thick, a true trophy. The perfect shot opportunity presented itself when he came into a clear lane at about 25 yards. I steadied my breath, aimed, and released the arrow.
The Shot and the Recovery
I could see immediately that the shot was true—the buck bolted into the woods, and I knew I had made a solid hit. I waited a few moments before climbing down and following the blood trail. The recovery was tense, but I didn’t have to go far. I found him not long after—my biggest buck ever with a bow.
The thrill of harvesting this incredible buck was amplified by the fact that I had filmed the entire hunt myself, from the saddle. Every moment, from the initial sighting to the final shot, was captured on camera, making it a hunt that I’ll always be able to relive.
A Hunt for the Books
This hunt was everything I had dreamed of. It wasn’t just about the size of the buck—it was about the challenge of self-filming, the thrill of the chase, and the satisfaction of a successful hunt. My biggest buck with a bow, taken from the saddle and self-filmed, will always be one of the greatest memories of my hunting career.
