Archery hunting demands patience, a lesson Brenden Marsh learned from his grandfather. After eight years of pursuing a bow buck, Brenden’s journey was seasoned with wisdom and persistence. On a crisp October 7th, with a cold front sweeping across the Midwest, Brenden chose a strategic stand with food and security elements. As he watched a congregation of deer and turkeys in the field, an old buck eventually strolled into his range. At 33 yards, Brenden’s arrow found its mark, and the estimated five-year-old deer, well over 210 pounds, met its end. For Brenden, the best part of the hunt was sharing the experience with his grandfather, a fitting way to celebrate his first bow buck.
The Dollard duo’s remarkable success in Quest tournaments has set a high standard for all hunters. Chad, hailing from Upstate New York, defies the stereotype of his region. In the land of harsh winters and sparse congregation of deer, he’s earned a reputation for consistent big-buck success. Chad, drawing from his trapping background, approaches hunting with a unique perspective. He’s not afraid to be aggressive, hunting bedding areas early and often, setting stands based on winter scouting, and employing scent control strategies like Nose Jammer. For him, participating in Quest competitions brings back the nostalgia of the old local big buck contests at sporting goods shops, a cherished tradition.
As hunters, we take our responsibilities seriously, for we’re dealing with matters of life and death. Kiley Harpster’s story exemplifies doing the right thing when things go wrong. After realizing he had made a single lung shot, he took the respectful and responsible route, enlisting the help of a dog tracker to ensure the deer was properly recovered. It’s a testament to our commitment to ethical hunting.
