Bo's Big Buck

Bo Koestler, 7, of Vicksburg, MS, took this big buck in Kansas during that state's youth weekend in September.  The deer weighed 260 pounds and scored 178 inches.  

Congratulations to Bo on a fantastic hunt and buck in our great wild outdoors. 

A True Deer Story

I laughed the whole time I read this.

(A letter from someone who wants to remain anonymous, who farms, writes well, and actually tried this)

I had this idea that I could rope a deer, put it in a stall, feed it on corn for a couple of weeks, then kill it and eat it. The first step in this adventure was getting a deer. I figured that since they congregate at my cattle feeder and do not seem to have much fear of me when we are there (a bold one will sometimes come right up and sniff at the bags of feed while I am in the back of the truck not 4 feet away), it should not be difficult to rope one, get up to it and toss a bag over its head (to calm it down) then hog tie it and transport it home.

I filled the cattle feeder and hid at the end with my rope. The cattle, having seen the roping thing before, stayed well back. They were not having any of it. After about 20 minutes, my deer showed up-- 3 of them. I picked out a likely-looking one, stepped out from the end of the feeder, and threw my rope. The deer just stood there and stared at me. I wrapped the rope around my waist and twisted the end so I would have a good hold.

The deer still just stood and stared at me, but you could tell it was mildly concerned about the whole rope situation. I took a step towards it, it took a step away. I put a little tension on the rope, and then received an education. The first thing that I learned is that, while a deer may just stand there looking at you funny while you rope it, they are spurred to action when you start pulling on that rope.

That deer EXPLODED. The second thing I learned is that pound for pound, a deer is a LOT stronger than a cow or a colt. A cow or a colt in that weight range I could fight down with a rope and with some dignity. A deer-- no Chance. That thing ran and bucked and twisted and pulled. There was no controlling it and certainly no getting close to it. As it jerked me off my feet and started dragging me across the ground, it occurred to me that having a deer on a rope was not nearly as good an idea as I had originally imagined. The only upside is that they do not have as much stamina as many other animals.

A brief 10 minutes later, it was tired and not nearly as quick to jerk me off my feet and drag me when I managed to get up. It took me a few minutes to realize this, since I was mostly blinded by the blood flowing out of the big gash in my head. At that point, I had lost my taste for corn-fed venison. I just wanted to get that devil creature off the end of that rope.

I figured if I just let it go with the rope hanging around its neck, it would likely die slow and painfully somewhere. At the time, there was no love at all between me and that deer. At that moment, I hated the thing, and I would venture a guess that the feeling was mutual. Despite the gash in my head and the several large knots where I had cleverly arrested the deer's momentum by bracing my head against various large rocks as it dragged me across the ground, I could still think clearly enough to recognize that there was a small chance that I shared some tiny amount of responsibility for the situation we were in. I didn't want the deer to have to suffer a slow death, so I managed to get it lined back up in between my truck and the feeder - a little trap I had set before hand...kind of like a squeeze chute. I got it to back in there and I started moving up so I could get my rope back.

Did you know that deer bite? They do! I never in a million years would have thought that a deer would bite somebody, so I was very surprised when ..... I reached up there to grab that rope, and the deer grabbed hold of my wrist. Now, when a deer bites you, it is not like being bit by a horse, where they just bite you and slide off to then let go. A deer bites you and shakes its head--almost like a big dog. They bite HARD, and it hurts.

The proper thing to do when a deer bites you is probably to freeze and draw back slowly. I tried screaming and shaking instead. My method was ineffective.

It seems like the deer was biting and shaking for several minutes, but it was likely only several seconds. I, being smarter than a deer (though you may be questioning that claim by now), tricked it. While I kept it busy tearing the tendons out of my right arm, I reached up with my left hand and pulled that rope loose.

That was when I got my final lesson in deer behavior for the day.

Deer will strike at you with their front feet. They rear right up on their back feet and strike right about head and shoulder level, and their hooves are surprisingly sharp... I learned a long time ago that, when an animal -like a horse --strikes at you with their hooves and you can't get away easily, the best thing to do is try to make a loud noise and make an aggressive move towards the animal. This will usually cause them to back down a bit so you can escape.

This was not a horse. This was a deer, so obviously, such trickery would not work. In the course of a millisecond, I devised a different strategy. I screamed like a woman and tried to turn and run. The reason I had always been told NOT to try to turn and run from a horse that paws at you is that there is a good chance that it will hit you in the back of the head. Deer may not be so different from horses after all, besides being twice as strong and 3 times as evil, because the second I turned to run, it hit me right in the back of the head and knocked me down.

Now, when a deer paws at you and knocks you down, it does not immediately leave. I suspect it does not recognize that the danger has passed. What they do instead is paw your back and jump up and down on you while you are laying there crying like a little girl and covering your head.

I finally managed to crawl under the truck, and the deer went away. So now I know why people go deer hunting and bring a rifle with a scope—to sort of even the odds!

All these events are true so help me God...An Educated Farmer.

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!

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

Happy "Heavenly" 60th Birthday, William David Boyd

I wish my only son, William David Boyd, a Happy "Heavenly" Birthday today. He would have been 60 years old. He was my second born, who passed away on October 26, 1964, from Hyaline Membrane Disease of the Lungs. He was born before my oldest daughter was a year old on November 11. This is the only picture of my daughters with their brother, most likely taken in 1974 or 1975. I treasure this picture; I will be with him in heaven one day.  

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.  

Campsite on a hill.

Noah and Will

Noah is having a blast with family.

Noah's cake.

Will's cake.

Wally (11 years old) is guarding the campsite.

Will is bike riding.

Noah is bike riding.

Balloons on the campground's trash can.

Looking up towards the campsite.

Great Grandson Ian is with Mom, Victoria, grandson Stephen, great-grandmother Jane, and her son, Jay.

Noah is getting ready to blow out his candles.

Will is getting ready to blow out his candles, too.

Great Grandson Ian, who left early.

Two great-grandsons, Noah and Will. Standing grandson Stephen, granddaughters Victoria and Lucy.

Great Grandson Ian is with Mom, Victoria, grandson Stephen, great-grandmother Jane, and her son, Jay.

I went down to Sand Creek to watch the boys play. A happy ending with family celebrating birthdays.

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.

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.

I'm looking forward to seeing them. Happy Birthday, Noah and Will. I love you so much, Great Gran Gran.

6 years old today!

7 years old tomorrow.

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

Happy 27th Birthday, Lucy!!

I just remembered that it's my granddaughter Lucy's 27th Birthday today. Wishing her the best Happy Birthday yet. I love and miss you and hope to see you real soon. Gran Gran xoxo

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.

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

CHOMP!

Locals bag nearly 10-foot gator!

The Rev. Tom Potter, pastor at Crawford Street United Methodist Church, received a tag from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks for the gator hunt.  Potter tagged the 9-1/2-foot 220-pound gator in the Yazoo River about 10 minutes after launching from the Vicksburg Boat Launch.  Mark Jefferson, Hunter Parrett, Christa Parrett, Joey King, and Carson King hunted with Potter.

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!

 

3. Our products are top-notch, here's why.

Listen up, folks! Cane Creek Munitions ain't messin' around when it comes to their products. I'm talkin' top-notch quality that'll blow your mind! From guns to ammo to accessories, they've got it all. You won't find no flimsy stuff here, 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!

Starting To Get That Neck

 

My Facebook friend, Mike Persichini of Michigan, took these pictures of bucks starting to get that neck in our great wild outdoors!

MS Alligator Hunters Bag 800lb. Giant

The size and mass of his head is unreal.  MS alligator hunters bag 800-pound giant

Complete story at this link - 'The size and mass of his head is unreal.' MS alligator hunters bag 800-pound giant (newsbreak.com)

Sasser, the tag-holder, was hunting in the Yazoo River near Vicksburg. Her hunting party consisted of her mother and father, Marty and Lauren Sasser of Terry, Justin Pettway of Pelahatchie, Connie Flanagin of Terry and Brandi Robinson of Enterprise.

Sharing A Memory About Billy

My former husband Bob took this funny/wet picture of Billy Boykin, Jr., at Brown's Point Hunting Club, Kings Point Island, around the new year about 19 years ago. Bob and I, Billy and his wife Lynn, were the only ones at the camp hunting. All the other hunters were smart and got out in time. The Mississippi River and the backwaters had risen, and the camp was slowly going underwater. We left our vehicles safely on the road and returned to the deer camp to hunt some more. When we got ready to leave the following day, the water was so high that we decided to elect Billy to go and get the boat so we could get out. To get the boat, he had to wade into the cold, frigid water to the other side. It was not funny then for him, but as you can see, he was trying to remove his wet clothes and change them into dry ones. Billy had harvested a deer the day before, and we had to get our guns, etc., out of there. It was an adventure for sure! The look on his face tells it all! His favorite song he would always sing was "I Feel Good,"....but I don't think he was feeling so good at this point in time to sing "I Feel Good"! More like, "I Feel Brrrr Cold!

Deer Loving Bread & Peanut Butter!

Mom brings the kids by every night for bread and peanut butter. They love it!

These are pictures of deer in Mike Persichini's backyard in Michigan.

Great photos, Mike!!

Happy & You Know It

Hunting Story

One cool November morning, two hunters take their biggest buck ever.

As they struggled to drag the monster buck back to their pickup, they were stopped by a game warden.

He asked to see their hunting licenses.

Assured that all was in order, the game warden wished them a good day, but offered some advice...

"If you men would pull from the front legs, instead of the back legs, the buck will glide easier in the leaves instead of going against the grain of fur. "

The hunters thanked the game warden and took his advice.

After about an hour of pulling the deer, the first hunter says to the other, "That game warden was a nice guy, and this deer is easier to pull."

The second hunter replies, "Yeah, but he wasn't all that smart..."

"We're getting further away from the truck."

You Start Dying Slowly If...

 You start dying slowly ;

if you do not travel,

if you do not read,

If you do not listen to the sounds of life,

If you do not appreciate yourself.

You start dying slowly :

When you kill your self-esteem,

When you do not let others help you.

You start dying slowly ;

If you become a slave of your habits,

Walking everyday on the same paths…

If you do not change your routine,

If you do not wear different colours

Or you do not speak to those you don’t know.

You start dying slowly :

If you avoid to feel passion

And their turbulent emotions;

Those which make your eyes glisten

And your heart beat fast.

You start dying slowly :

If you do not risk what is safe for the uncertain

If you do not go after a dream

If you do not allow yourself

At least once in your lifetime

To run away from sensible advice

Don't let yourself die slowly

Do not forget to be happy!

~ Pablo Neruda♡

Chilean poet who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1971

Via Rumi