While 30,000 people may have attended the Central-Western football game, the odds of shooting a large, White-tailed buck might be less than 30,000-to-1.
Phil Roberts did just that after attending the game. Roberts, a former CMU baseball player who now works for Consumer’s Energy in
“I might has well have gone up to Soaring Eagle and gambled,” Roberts said.
The buck was a 9-point with antlers five inches in circumference. Their width measured 18 inches across. The most impressive feature was the symmetry of the antlers, Roberts said.
“I’d say he weighed 200 pounds after he was dressed,” Roberts said.
Normally, a deer would be around 160 pounds after being dressed, he said.
Roberts used a brand new bow, getting his first kill with it. He used a Hoyt Vectrix equipped with a 125 grain Muzzy broadhead.
“My girlfriend is sitting right along side me in the tree and I heard something off to my right,” Roberts said. “I guessed he was at 18 yards. I told my girlfriend ‘do not move.’ My concentration is through the roof. Nothing else is going through my head except getting this buck. I could hear my heart beating.”
Roberts estimated his shot came from about ten yards and the buck ran about 40 yards.
This particular deer now appears headed for the Pope and Young record books.
To even be considered for the Pope and Young record books, your buck must score a minimum 125, he said. The biggest ever in
Roberts luck was not limited to that one buck, however. Exactly one week later, he got a 10-pointer.
“This one was more enjoyable because of where I was at,” Roberts said. “It was everything a hunter doesn’t want. It was terrible conditions. The one thing I did notice about that night is the wind was blowing north very hard. What I did was set-up on the south side of the thicket when the deer were north.”
This would be a bad move, according to most hunters, he said, because the wind would carry his scent to the deer. In this case, the deer was led back south by a doe. Roberts believes a scent he left out may have helped attract the buck. The second buck may also make Pope and Young.
“The window of opportunity to shoot that deer was the size of a five gallon bucket.”
Roberts’ success is often met with jealousy amongst fellow hunters. He attributes his kills to doing his homework.
“I have learned how to capitalize because I know where to find them,” he said.
One technique Roberts utilizes is motion activated cameras.
“It educates me on what’s there,” he said. “The thing is, everyone wants to see big bucks. If you pass up the 4-point and 6-points, they’ll turn into those bucks everyone wants. To find them, the camera is the best scouting tool there is.”
Roberts says hunting is one of the most enjoyable things he does with his life.
“This world is so fast pace. Once you get in the woods, there are no clocks alarms, commitments, or appointments. It’s just Mother Nature. It’s peaceful.”
Roberts also comments on those who feel he’s hunting just to kill.
“Do you want me to kill the deer, or do you want to hit it with your car?” Roberts asked.
Furthermore, Roberts mentioned he routinely lets plenty of deer run free.
“I just enjoy watching them,” he said.
Finally, Roberts said that hunting dramatically impacts the economy of
“I’ve spent $2500 in the last week alone.”
As millions of people sit in their homes, caught up on television shows, doctor’s appointments, and worrying about gas prices, Roberts will be enjoying nature.
“There’s so much to see out there,” Roberts said. “You can’t do that in a dorm room or a house.”
