When it comes to bowhunting, there’s something special about the pursuit of a true giant—especially one that lives in the heart of Iowa, known for producing world-class bucks. For Matt, his long-standing dream finally came true when he successfully harvested a 194 4/8” giant with an incredible 20-point rack. The buck, which Matt had named “ShowTime,” became an obsession over the course of several years, and the hunt for him would be one that Matt would never forget.
It all started two seasons ago when Matt first spotted ShowTime on his trail cameras. The buck was nothing short of spectacular—an absolute monster with an unbelievably wide rack and an intricate web of tines. Matt immediately knew that this deer was special. He spent countless hours studying the buck’s patterns, learning where he moved and what time of day he frequented certain areas.
During the offseason, Matt put in the work. He scouted, set up stands, and made sure to leave minimal scent behind. He knew that the key to bagging ShowTime was patience and precision. The following season, Matt was back on the property, ready for the ultimate challenge.
The day of the hunt arrived with the perfect weather—a cool breeze and clear skies. As daylight broke, Matt settled into his stand, knowing this could be the day. Hours passed, and though the anticipation was building, Matt remained focused. At mid-morning, the quiet woods suddenly came alive with movement. Through the trees, Matt saw a giant silhouette slowly emerging. It was ShowTime.
The buck moved cautiously through the brush, his enormous 20-point rack glistening in the morning sun. Matt’s heart raced, but he stayed calm, waiting for the perfect moment. ShowTime approached, giving Matt an opening for a shot at about 30 yards. The time had come—Matt drew his bow, took aim, and released the arrow.
The shot was perfect. The arrow flew true and struck ShowTime with deadly accuracy. The buck bolted, disappearing into the woods, but Matt knew he had made a solid hit. He waited for a couple of hours before tracking the massive deer.
After a long search, Matt finally found ShowTime. The 20-point buck lay in a small clearing, his giant antlers proudly displayed for all to see. With a mix of awe and pride, Matt marveled at the buck’s sheer size—194 4/8” of pure Iowa muscle.
The hunt for ShowTime had tested Matt’s skills and patience, but in the end, the rewards were more than worth it. This 20-point giant would forever be a trophy of not just size, but the dedication and perseverance that define the heart of a true bowhunter.
