Hunting public land in Virginia is a challenge, but when you manage to harvest a giant 168” buck, it’s an accomplishment that will be etched in your memory forever. This is the story of one hunter’s incredible journey to bag a trophy buck, all while self-filming the entire experience. With every step planned meticulously and patience tested, the successful hunt was as much about the journey as it was about the harvest.
The Challenge of Public Land
Public land hunting is never easy. These areas are heavily pressured, meaning bucks are more cautious and harder to find. But for this hunter, the challenge was part of the appeal. He knew the stakes were high, and with the added element of filming the hunt himself, the pressure only increased. Every movement had to be calculated. He scouted the land weeks in advance, setting up trail cameras and marking potential stand locations. It wasn’t just about hunting the buck—it was about capturing the experience on camera, ensuring everything from the setup to the shot was recorded.
Strategizing the Hunt
Through careful scouting, the hunter discovered a remote area that seemed perfect for the buck’s pattern. This particular 168” whitetail had been spotted near a thick oak stand, where he fed during the early mornings and late evenings. The hunter set up his tree stand strategically, well hidden in the canopy to avoid detection. The spot was perfect—near the food source but far enough from any popular hunting paths. He knew that patience and stealth would be the key to success.
The Moment of Truth
Opening day arrived, and the hunter settled into his stand just before dawn. As the morning wore on, the anticipation grew. The quiet woods were only interrupted by the occasional rustle of leaves or chirp of a bird. Then, just as the light began to change, the massive 168” buck appeared. Moving cautiously, the buck headed straight for the hunter’s stand. With the camera rolling and the buck within range, the hunter took a steady breath, drew his bow, and released the arrow.
The Harvest and Aftermath
The arrow flew true, hitting its mark. The buck bolted into the thick cover, and the hunter remained still, waiting for the right time to follow the blood trail. After a short while, he began tracking. The blood trail led to a dense thicket, where the hunter finally found the trophy he had been chasing: a stunning 168” whitetail buck. The antlers were massive, with incredible symmetry and long tines, a true testament to the buck’s age and genetics.
A Story Captured Forever
This hunt wasn’t just about bagging a trophy; it was about the experience. Self-filming a hunt adds a layer of complexity, but it also allows hunters to relive every moment. For this Virginia hunter, the 168” buck was the culmination of months of preparation and a season of hard work, captured forever on film. It’s a reminder of why we hunt—not just for the harvest, but for the memories, challenges, and stories that will last a lifetime.
