Friday, December 20, 2024
Congratulations, Paul Howell
Monday, December 09, 2024
Kennedy's First Deer
Sunday, December 08, 2024
Father & Son Hunt
Scooter Whatley and his son Connor killed these bucks with their bows on the opening day of gun season in the Delta. Connor's was a 12-point buck, and Scooter's was an 8-pointer.
I hunted at the same deer camp years ago with Scooter at Browns Pont on Kings Point Island north of Vicksburg, MS. Scooter is also a Producer/Director/Videographer for MS Outdoors TV and Marketing at Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.
What an extraordinary hunt to hunt with family in our great Mississippi outdoors! My congratulations to Scooter and his son Connor.
Saturday, December 07, 2024
Paisley's First Deer @ 3 Years Old
Paisley Dwon Ashley, only 3 years old, shot her fist deer, a 9-pointer, on November 110 in Unica. Paisley Down is the daughter of Evie Hilderbrand and Joshua Ashley.
Now, that is awesome. Starting young! My congratulations to Paisley in our great Mississippi outdoors!!! Way to go, little one.
Friday, December 06, 2024
Victoria's Massive Buck
“I’ve shot deer out to 444 yards with my .243,” says Garland, who took her first deer 20 years ago at age 10. “We hunt the big open fields in the South Delta, and my .243 is the perfect rifle.”
She shoots a custom-built Remington 700 bolt-action rifle with a special aftermarket barrel and hand loads her .243 ammo using 105-grain bullets.
“I’ve shot it a lot over the years, and my Burris Eliminator laser rangefinding scope helps in judging yardage and makes my .243 the perfect gun for me,” she says.
Victoria’s husband, Thomas Garland, began getting trail photos of a large farm buck he’d passed the previous season because of a broken tine. By Dec. 2021, the buck had returned to their 1,200-acre farm, and on Christmas Day, Thomas got a long shot at the buck but missed.
Two days later, Victoria was hunting in a box blind during an unusually warm December afternoon. She thought she should be sitting poolside instead of in a deer stand when she happened to look up to see a giant buck. She instantly recognized it from trail cam photos as the deer Thomas missed.
She got on the buck, standing 173 yards away, and shot … but the deer didn’t move. So she chambered a second round, aimed, and fired again. The buck turned and ran, showing no sign of being hit. Checking where the buck stood, she found no blood trail to follow. So the Garlands got their trusty two-year-old black Labrador, Maverick, to trail the deer.
“Maverick got on the scent right away and went to the buck,” says Victoria. “There was no blood to follow, and the deer only went 100 yards. Thank goodness for Maverick.”
My congratulations to Victoria in our great Mississippi outdoors!!!
Thursday, December 05, 2024
Brooklyn's First Deer
Brooklyn Ross, 9 years old, killed her first deer on family property while hunting with her father in Vicksburg, MS.
My congratulations to Brooklyn on a nice buck in our great Mississippi outdoors!!! Way to go!!!
Saturday, November 30, 2024
A Young Mississippi Hunter's Dream
After watching it grow for two years, Walker Hilbun of Starkville harvested a 167-inch buck on Nov. 2.
A Mississippi teen first got a particular buck on camera two years ago, and although it was a 10-point shot, it didn't really stand out. Since the buck appeared to be young, the teen's father said they should let him grow, and two years later, that decision paid off with a huge buck that unofficially gross-scored 167 inches. "He was nothing special," said Walker Hilbun, 18, of Starkville. "He was 3 1/2 (years old), and my dad said we should let him go, which was a perfect thing we did. "I passed on the deer four or five times the next year. It was tough to do. It was hard to let him go last year."
When the buck showed up on camera this summer, it was a different story.
"He was just a monster with tons of mass and points on him," Hilbun said. "I was thrilled I let him go last year and immediately wanted to kill him this year."
Harvesting the buck was easier said than done. Hilbun said Patterning the buck was difficult because the cameras on the Oktibbeha County property where he was hunting were set up on food plots and at a feeder, but the buck wasn't frequenting those spots.
Instead, the buck appeared to be feeding on the early crop of acorns in wooded areas, so that's where Hilbun focused his efforts, but the plan needed to be fixed. A month into the season, Hilbun had not had an encounter with the buck. On Nov. 1, the buck decided to eat something other than acorns. While Hilbun was hunting in a wooded area, the buck showed up on camera at a nearby food plot. That prompted a change. Hilbun said his dad said he should hunt out of a shooting house at the food plot in case the buck returned. The following afternoon, that's what Hilbun did.
"I got in the stand at 3:15," Hilbun said. "I saw lots of deer. I ended up seeing about 30 deer in the food plot." And soon enough, the big buck decided to join them. "He did pop out at 5:30, 5:35, and I watched him," Hilbun said. "He'd feed to me and then feed back." The buck continued grazing in the food plot for about an hour but stayed out of range of Hilbun's bow. Then something happened, and the buck couldn't resist. "It was getting darker, and I had four bucks fighting before me," Hilbun said.
"When he walked up, he was on a march."
Hilbun said he was nervous but managed to stay calm until he got a shot. "It was right before dark," Hilbun said. "I slowly drew back, and when I shot, I think he was at 27 yards. I was really confident in my shot, and I was really shaken up," Hilbun said. "I was super nervous." Long, sleepless night ends with Buck of Mississippi Hunter's Dreams. SunHerald~
Congratulations to MS teen Walker Hilbun in our great Mississippi wild outdoors!!!
Friday, November 29, 2024
Sunday, November 24, 2024
Bo's Big Buck
Sunday, November 10, 2024
A True Deer Story
I laughed the whole time I read this.
Monday, November 04, 2024
Emma Bags a 150-Class Trophy Buck in Mississippi
"On Oct. 22, 2024, I killed the biggest deer I may ever kill in my life," said Emma Claire Starkey, 16, of Eudora. "It was one of the best days of my life. I thank Jesus for this day and constant experience."
Starkey said the story began in 2023 after she and her father, Adam Starkey, put out trail cameras before archery season began.
"One summer night, my dad and I got a notification from the camera," Starkey said. "It was two giant bucks wrapped in velvet.
"We couldn't believe it. After seeing those bucks, we immediately start excited about the soon-to-begin bow season."
"This deer was ginormous," Starkey said. "On the left side of his rack, he had a kicker on his G2.
"After noticing this, my dad and I decided to give this deer a name. That name was Kicker. After trying to hunt this deer for quite a while, we discovered that he was challenging. He would only come out around midnight."
The two hunted the buck at every opportunity, but he wasn't cooperative and remained nocturnal. However, one Sunday evening, they got a notification from a camera, and there was a photo of him. The two rushed to the stand, only minutes from their home. They couldn't get close enough for a shot with Starkey's crossbow, but they saw him firsthand.
"When my dad and I laid eyes on this deer, our faces immediately lit up," Starkey said. "Our adrenalin was through the roof.
"Kicker was even bigger in person. My dad and I couldn't believe what we had just experienced. We both walk back to the truck in disbelief. After seeing him in person, we had him back on the camera a couple of times, and after that, he was gone."
Starkey wondered what had happened to the buck. Had he been hit by a car, killed by a hunter, or maybe just moved on? Those questions were answered less than two weeks before archery season opened this year while Starkey was at her school's homecoming dance.
There she was, in a room filled with teenagers dancing, strobe lights flashing, and loud music, when she received a message from her father. It said that Kicker was back, and he sent a photo of the buck, too.
"I couldn't believe it," Starkey said. "I thought this deer had disappeared for good."
This year was shaping up to be a repeat of 2023. The Kicker was nocturnal. They had one close encounter with him on Oct. 20 when they received a photo of him in daylight and tried to sneak up on him but couldn't get a shot. The fact that both close encounters were on Sundays didn't go unnoticed.
"On the way home, I started thinking, this deer did the same thing to us last year on a Sunday," Starkey said. "How crazy was that?"
Hunting the deer had become a daily routine, but a week after her encounter with the buck, Starkey said she was exhausted. However, she felt that if she didn't go, the buck would show up during legal shooting hours because that works in the deer hunting world. So, that afternoon, she was back on the stand with her father.
"I was exhausted," Starkey said. "I sat with my head facing down, and my eyes closed most of this hunt."
While half asleep, she felt her father tapping her leg.
"I looked out to see giant horns facing my way," Starkey said. "I immediately started breathing heavily and shaking."
The buck took his time and slowly made his way toward the stand.
"It took probably 15 minutes for that deer to come into range, and I thought both of us would pass out. Our hearts were beating so hard," her father said. "She couldn't hardly hold a conversation."
The buck gave Starkey a shot at 45 yards, and Starkey pulled the trigger on her crossbow. They went to the site where he was standing, and her father eventually found a drop of blood.
"I said, 'Emma Claire, look at this,'" her father said. "She instantly started crying."
The two didn't track him because they thought he might still be alive and run, so they left the area. They came back later that night and found him just 60 yards away.
"She reached down and grabbed those horns and said, 'Oh, my God. He's even bigger than he was in pictures,'" her father said.
Her father estimated the buck's score to be between 140 and 150. When Final Approach Taxidermy in Hernando scored the buck, it was a good bit higher.
The bases measured 5 1/2 inches and 5 1/4 inches, and the inside spread was 17 1/4 inches. The main beams were 23 1/4 inches and 24 inches. The left G2 was 12 inches, and the right G2 was a whopping 14 inches. The total score was 156 1/2.
"She was happy," Starkey's father said. "That deer didn't have any ground shrinkage."
Congratulations to Emma on getting a ginormous buck named "Kicker" in our great Mississippi outdoors! hat's awesome!
Sunday, October 27, 2024
Happy 55th Birthday, Debra Ann
I wish my daughter, Debra Ann, a Happy 55th Birthday today. Debra is the mother of two sons, one in the Air Force serving our country for 12 years, and a daughter who has given her two grandsons. She is a nanny for two doctors caring for their young daughter. She is a hard-working mother, and I’m proud of her accomplishments. I love her so much and hope her birthday will be great! xoxo
Friday, October 25, 2024
Happy "Heavenly" 60th Birthday, William David Boyd
Tuesday, October 15, 2024
A Rocky Springs Campground Birthday Bash Last Week
Here are random pictures taken a week ago at Will's, 7, and Noah's, 6, birthday bash at the Rocky Springs Campground off the Natchez Trace Parkway. The family had a great time enjoying the beautiful weather and the boys' birthday party. They got a lot of nice toys, etc., to play with and enjoy. Two great-grandmothers were blessed to attend the big event for Will and Noah.
Saturday, October 12, 2024
A Hunting Lunch Break
I'm waving to my former husband on his deer stand at Brown's Point on Kings Point Island, north of Vicksburg, MS., years ago after a lunch break. I'm returning to my stand to finish hunting in our great MS outdoors.
Friday, September 27, 2024
Happy Birthday Noah and Will
I want to wish my two great-grandsons a very Happy Birthday. Noah is 6 years old today, and William David will be 7 tomorrow. They will have a birthday bash tomorrow at Rocky Springs Campground on the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Happy 52nd Birthday, Suzi
Today, my youngest of four daughters, Marian Suzanne "Suzi" Nicholas, turns 52. She is an excellent Mother to her daughters, Emma (17) and Kate (11) in Virginia. I am so proud of who she has become, and I wish her a happy and blessed birthday. I love you very much, Suzi! Mom xoxo
September 25, 1972
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Happy 27th Birthday, Lucy!!
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Two Bears Killed at Redwood, MS, North of Vicksburg
Within two days, two bears were hit and killed by vehicles in Warren County, Vicksburg, MS. MS Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks were notified. They recently passed through town and were sad that they were killed in our Mississippi outdoors at night.
Sunday, September 08, 2024
Are Bears Becoming a Problem in Mississippi?
Anthony Ballard, an officer with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, leads a presentation about black bears.
Following the recent sighting of a black bear near the Old Courthouse Museum in Vicksburg, some residents may be wondering about the status of the black bear in MS and whether or not safety from bears is something to be concerned about.
Anthony Ballard of the MS Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks recently gave a presentation at Crawford Street United Methodist Church about the status of black bears in the area.
According to Ballard, black bears were placed on the federal "threatened and endangered species" list in 1974. By 2016, they had been removed from the list.
Ballard explained that black bears, although they can be cinnamon-colored, are usually black with a brown muzzle. There are two subspecies in MS: the American black bear and the Louisiana black bear. Adult males typically weigh between 250 and 350 pounds. An adult female usually weighs around 200 pounds and gives birth about once every two years. Ballard said cubs are born in the den and spend 12-18 months with their mother before becoming independent.
The most giant bear on record in MS, at 468 pounds, was killed on a roadway in Wilkinson County, Ballard said.
Bears are periodically trapped, tranquilized, and examined. A sample of their DNA is taken, and an overall health assessment is done before a small chip to identify them is implanted.
GPS collars help track the routes bears travel, referred to as "home ranges." Their journeys throughout MS, even into Louisiana territory, and back again are charted on digital maps. Bears are more active in the summer, often traveling hundreds of miles. From this research, Ballard said they have learned not to relocate bears in MS (although other states do) because they are adept at finding their way back.
"This is one of the last great conservation success stories we have," Ballard said. "They were almost extirpated in the state, and what we're doing right now is monitoring that natural growth over time. We hope one day that they reach a number sustainable for harvest, like the Eastern wild turkey, the white-tailed deer, and, more recently, the alligator."
Once a bear crosses into MS, it becomes an "MS bear," as Hunter Fordice found out in 2006 when he received a call that a bear with a tracking device originally from Arkansas had pinged as been on his land, located in the MS Delta. This unexpected finding launched Fordice into the world of black bear conservation.
"It just sort of fell in my lap," Fordice said. He was notified by a previous MDWFP officer, Brad Young, that the bear had been located on his land.
"F920 was a female...caught in Arkansas and relocated to Felsenthal. We don't do that in MS, but Arkansas did. It's about 100 miles due west of my farm. She swam the river with a cub. I saw tracks (of the bear). That was in "06."
For those concerned about interactions with black bears, Ballard advised minimizing attractants.
"There's a good chance (In this area) that you have bears close by, whether you know it or not. It's important to put up pet foods and trash and take them out in the morning rather than the night before. You want to minimize the exposure to an attractant. Bears have a sense of smell about seven times better than dogs. So anything a dog will get into, a bear will get into, and he's even better at it," He added. Bird feeders and even barbecue grills will attract bears.
Confrontation with black bears is extremely rare, Ballard said.
"What we tell people to do, if they encounter a bear in the wild, from a distance, just let the bear go on about its business. The bear will often see or smell you and be gone before you have to deal with the bear. If you're in a situation where the bear gets too close for comfort, it's time to get big and loud and scare it away. If you're worried about it, bear spray is a good thing ... it's safe for the bears and very effective because their sense of smell is compassionate."
Any sightings of black bears may be reported to MDWFP at their website, https://xnet2.mdwfp.com/NRIS/Home/BearReport.
By Sally Green - The Vicksburg Post
Saturday, September 07, 2024
CHOMP!
Thursday, September 05, 2024
Guest Post by Joshua Berry, Cane Creek Munitions Owner
Today, I am honored to have a guest post from Joshua Berry, owner of Cane Creek Munitions. Enjoy his article on munitions.
1. What's up, gun enthusiasts!
Hey there gun enthusiasts! Are you
tired of searching high and low for all your ammunition, gun parts, and hunting
gear? Look no further, because Cane Creek
Munitions has got you covered! From guns and firearms to
scopes, sights, and optics, they've got
everything you need for your shooting and hunting adventures. Keep reading to
find out why Cane Creek
Munitions should be your go-to for all things
gun-related!
https://unsplash.com/@pope_moisa
2. So, why should you choose Cane Creek
Munitions?
Let me break it down for you why
Cane Creek Munitions is the place for all your gun needs. First off, their
selection is top-notch, like, they've got everything under the sun for your
shooting and hunting game. Plus, their customer service is off the charts -
super friendly and always willing to help a fellow gun lover out. Trust me,
once you shop at Cane Creek, you'll never look back. Time to gear up and lock
'n load, my friend!
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only the real deal for serious shooters like you. So, if you wanna step up your
gun game and feel like a true boss on the range, Cane Creek is where it's at.
Don't settle for mediocrity, aim for greatness with Cane Creek Munitions!
4. Connect with us and other gun lovers!
Hey there, gun enthusiasts! Ready
to join a community that shares your passion for all things firearms? At Cane
Creek Munitions, we're more than just a store - we're a family of like-minded
individuals who appreciate the craftsmanship and power behind a good ol' gun.
Connect with us on our social media channels to stay up to date on the latest
products, deals, and maybe even share some shooting tips with your fellow
marksmen. Let's build a network where we can all geek out over guns together!
So what are you waiting for? Come on over and let's talk guns on Facebook or Instagram!
5. We've got the best platform for all things
firearms.
If you're hunting for the ultimate
hub for all things firearms, you've hit the jackpot with Cane Creek Munitions!
We've curated the best platform where you can geek out over guns, check out the
newest gear and deals, and swap shooting tips with your fellow gun enthusiasts.
Our community is all about the love for firearms, craftsmanship, and the thrill
of the range. Don't miss out on the action - join us on our social media
channels to stay in the loop and be part of the coolest gun-loving family
around! What are you waiting for? Let's dive into the world of guns together!
6. Get ready to join a community that has your
back!
Get ready to join a community that
has your back! When you're part of the Cane Creek Munitions family, you're not
just a gun enthusiast - you're part of a tight-knit group that's got your six.
Share your passion for firearms, swap stories, and get advice from fellow
shooters who speak your language. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just
starting out, there's a place for you in our group. Plus, with the latest gear
and tips at your fingertips, you'll always be at the top of your game. So, why
wait? Come on over and let's lock and load together! Join us on Facebook or Instagram
7. In conclusion, Cane Creek Munitions is the
place to be for all your gun-related needs.
Alright, folks, in conclusion, if you're into all things gun-related, Cane Creek Munitions is the place you wanna be. This community isn't just about blasting targets; it's about having a squad that's got your back no matter what. From seasoned pros to newbies, everyone's welcome here. And with the latest gear and insider tips, you'll always be on top of your game. So, if you haven't already, what are you waiting for? Come check us out and let's lock and load together! See you on the firing line, shooters!
Monday, September 02, 2024
Starting To Get That Neck