Year 6 Banquet Recap
BANQUET RECAP & Final Scores Live THANK YOU To everyone
April 9, 2024
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Archery hunting is a grind. To some it comes easy while for others it may take years to find the right deer. For Brenden Marsh he took the lessons of patience from his grandfather to finally notch a tag. “I’ve been hunting since I was a young kid and have taken plenty of deer with a rifle. Getting a buck with a bow has evaded me for 8 years.” Brenden’s reflection on the journey was seasoned with understanding that in order to find success it often takes time. Time creates wisdom and steadfastness. The first noticeable cold-front for the midwest pushed through the weekend of October 7th. Many hunters tagged-out as the cold front pushed across the country and big bucks left their sanctuaries. For Brendon, he chose a specific stand which allowed for two key elements: food & security. Brenden’s family has had permission on this particular farm for many years and know the area well. They placed a double ladder stand in a funnel between two fields overlooking an irrigation ditch. Mature deer have the need to feel safe.
On Saturday the seventh of October of this season, the wind teased out of the North East for Brenden when he climbed into the stand. Given the opportunity to sit longer he opted to climb high around 2:30 in the afternoon. It’s a good thing he did as there were already does up feeding in the cereal rye. Over the next two hours he was given a front row seat to creation. 35 deer and 15 turkeys congregated in the field. At a quarter to five the does in the field became nervous, pushing out of the field past Brenden. An old buck marched into the field bossing young bucks around. Between feeding and playing the bully, the old buck made his way to Brenden’s end of the funnel walking down through the ditch into bow range. At 33 yards Brendens shot hit him quartering away and ran 30 yards before expiring. The deer is estimated to be well past five years old and tipped the scales at over 210 pounds. According to Brenden, there were hardly any teeth in the old buck’s jaw. In reflection on the hunt, I asked what his favorite part of the hunt was. He shared, “The best part of the hunt was getting to share it with my grandfather. It was such a special experience and a great way to cap off my first bow buck.”
BANQUET RECAP & Final Scores Live THANK YOU To everyone
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.
