10-point buck on SCDNR draw hunt

Paul Tyler and his trophy 10-point; his first ever deer harvest!

Hunt Camp and Rifle Range facilities 

It is SPOOKY how well this story demonstrates that SCDNR public lands management is working, and how finding a trophy buck at a public hunting area can help to make any fortunate hunter into a life long advocate for the outdoors. Upstate hunter Paul Tyler had been hunting for several years but had never been able to harvest a deer. Taking a chance on a public draw hunt at Palachucola WMA, where he had never visited before, it was a matter of fate that allowed him to secure his first ever deer on the first evening hunt. At 5:30 Tyler's first ever deer was on the ground, and oh my, it's a 10-point buck stud! On Oct. 25 hunters expect for bucks to be on the move and in rut, but this buck appeared to be alone, and it's worth noting that 20 other hunters on the same hunt session did not manage to harvest a deer during this same evening hunt. Other hunters did find success during two more days of hunting though, harvesting three bucks and three does. Now, Paul Tyler is all jacked up about the remainder of deer season, and has taken his 10-pointer to a trusted taxidermist to put his buck of a lifetime on the wall. Hunting public land on a draw hunt is no guaruntee of success, but it can still happen, and when all the right circumstances come together it can make for a very special hunt memory for all involved.

To view my feature story on this 10-point buck click Colletonian.

To view past blog entries about big bucks click here.

Recent signs of timber thinning for wildlife habitat

Doe harvested on 10/24