Black Friday Shopping Pays Off with a 200-inch Mule Deer!

by
posted on December 11, 2014
** 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. **

For some, shopping on Black Friday means hitting the malls. For bowhunters like my husband, Phil, and me, it means hitting the sandhills to try and close the deal on a good buck. The plan came together for Phil that morning when he dropped this 200-inch muley.

While seeing one monster mule deer can be a once-in a lifetime experience, we saw two on his Kansas lease that week so whichever buck he got close to first would be the one. Easier said than done. He actually held off on stalking them until his Mathews No Cam HTR bow arrived. Would I be as patient, I wondered? Evidently, Phil knew that new bow would give him the edge.

Phil and his cameraman had several encounters and got great footage of both bucks for his TV show before he finally caught this one trailing a doe. But what were the odds because he was actually sitting with me in my blind as I waited on the whitetail buck I was chasing. Both whitetails and muleys were leaving the crop circle and heading for the sandhills when the heavy buck walked right past our blind. Our HECS Stealthscreen suit and Ozonics likely had something to do with our going undetected--considering they came from downwind. An Easton Deep Six FMJ arrow topped with a Grave Digger broadhead did the trick and the rest, as they say, is history.

Latest

LEDEW H2026 06 Knowhow D2576359
LEDEW H2026 06 Knowhow D2576359

Know How: First Guns for Junior Shooters

Curious what gun to start out a junior shooter on? Bryce Towsley is a man with experience. Read on for some tips on what to get the young hunter in your life.

New for 2026: Kent Cartridge Southern Reserve Dove

Kent Cartridge introduces Southern Reserve Dove, a purpose-built load designed for fast shooting and performance in the dove fields.

#SundayGunday: Springfield Armory SA-35 4"

Springfield's SA-35 4” maintains the “wood and steel” vibes of yesteryear, with a blued finish on the gun’s carbon steel, and checkered walnut grips. Curious about this updated version of a true classic? Check out this exclusive edition of #SundayGunday.

Will Grizzly Bear Management be Returned to the States?

When the grizzly bear in the Lower 48 was given Endangered Species Act (ESA) protection as a threatened species in 1975, it was supposed to be a temporary protection that would be lifted once populations met or exceeded specific goals. Now more than a half century later and with grizzly populations that have spread and met or far surpassed the goals set in 1975.

New for 2026: Leupold LCO Pro F2 Red-Dot

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. has launched its LCO Pro F2 red-dot sight, combining optical clarity, reliability and purpose-built features in a full-sized red dot.

Member's Best 2026

I am heartened by this year’s entries. In addition to fabulous photographs, almost all of you delivered exceptional narratives of your hunts. We used your very words wherever possible because it’s an honor to see you all rise to such an occasion as sharing a special moment with your fellow hunters. You now know a little bit about what drives an outdoor writer. —J. Scott Olmsted, Editor in Chief

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.