2024 PA ARCHERY BUCK

By 5 a.m., I was at the farm, with legal shooting light approaching within the hour. I got geared up beside the truck, but realized I'd forgotten my pull-up rope for my Mathews Compound Bow. My only option was a trusty old stand, the Double Decker - a unique setup with an old Loggy Bayou climbing stand strapped securely to the tree. After a quiet walk in the early dew, I was harnessed and settled in by 5:30 a.m., listening to the owls and foxes as dawn approached.

Legal shooting light arrived around 6 a.m., and the first visitor was a lone spike buck moving in from my right. Watching these animals at close range, undetected, is a thrill I'll never tire of. He fed peacefully near the big oak tree, where the acorns had finally started to fall. Then, after the squirrels provided some entertainment, another familiar face showed up - a young buck with two little spikes on his head. This one, who I'd encountered several times over the past month, noticed me right away at 60 yards.

The young buck locked onto me, then relaxed, and as he did, I caught sight of another deer emerging from the thicket - a larger, rugged 4-point with a funky rack. Not legal, but it was great to observe him as he and the spike fed before wandering down the ridge. They weren't in rut mode yet, as they lingered to eat, but three bucks already was a promising sign.

After deciding to stay until about 9 a.m., I texted Trevor and Chuck, my archery buddies, my plan to leave soon and tucked my phone away. But then, a fourth buck appeared from the same direction - a big 8-point I'd passed on just a week ago. Unlike the others, this guy had a purpose in his stride, and I sensed he was on the hunt for a doe. He moved up the trail towards me, his antlers a familiar sight. The time felt right. With my Mathews V3 28 Compound bow in hand, I got into position.

As he passed behind a large oak, I drew back, steadied myself, and made my move. The arrow flew true, hitting right where I'd aimed, for a quick, clean harvest. He made it only about 60 yards before he lay down for the last time, and I could finally exhale. There's no better feeling.

Reflecting on this season, I can't thank the folks who've supported me enough - FirstLite for the new camo, Ztreme Archery in York, PA for the incredible Mathews bow setup, RSI Outdoors, Andy's Custom Arrows, and Sevr Broadheads for their outstanding broadheads. To my friends, family, and followers of The Great Outdoors with Mike Males, thank you for being part of this journey and sharing in the love for archery and the hunt. Here's to another great season in Pennsylvania!