Hunting public land presents unique challenges—especially when pursuing a trophy buck. But when a hunter manages to self-film the entire experience and harvests a massive 168” buck, it’s nothing short of extraordinary. This is the story of one Virginia hunter who ventured into the public lands of the Old Dominion, armed with his bow and a camera, to pursue a whitetail that would leave a lasting mark in both his hunting career and the bowhunting community.
The Challenge of Public Land
Virginia’s public land is a maze of dense hardwood forests, thick underbrush, and river valleys—ideal habitat for whitetails, but also home to many hunters. With the deer population being abundant, finding a mature buck, let alone a trophy like the 168” giant, is no easy feat. For this hunter, the challenge was even greater—he decided to film the entire hunt himself. It meant not only having to set up his stand in a prime location but also ensuring that his camera angles and positioning were just right for a successful hunt.
Scouting and Preparation
The hunt began long before the first arrow was drawn. Weeks of scouting revealed that this particular buck had been moving through a secluded area of the public land—an old field surrounded by thick cover. Using trail cameras and carefully studying the deer’s patterns, the hunter identified key spots for his stand placement. The goal was to remain undetected while positioning himself in a location where the buck would likely travel.
The Moment of Truth
Opening day arrived, and the air was filled with anticipation. The hunter set up his tree stand early, ensuring that his camera was in place, capturing the entirety of the hunt. Hours passed with little movement, but then, just as the sun began to dip behind the trees, the massive 168” buck emerged from the woods. The hunter’s heart raced as the deer moved closer, unaware of the hunter’s presence. The buck was finally within range. With the camera rolling, the hunter drew his bow, took aim, and released the arrow.
The Successful Harvest
The arrow hit its mark, and the buck bolted into the woods, disappearing into the thick brush. After waiting for what felt like an eternity, the hunter began tracking the blood trail. It wasn’t long before he found his prize—a beautiful 168” Virginia public land buck. The antlers were massive, with long tines and incredible symmetry.
A Memory to Last a Lifetime
This hunt was more than just a successful harvest; it was a testament to the patience, dedication, and skill required to hunt public land, all while self-filming the experience. The footage captured the full journey—the highs, the lows, and the exhilarating moment of the shot. The 168” buck would forever be remembered as the pinnacle of the hunter’s bowhunting career, a giant from Virginia’s public land that will go down as a legendary achievement.
