Here’s a collection of trail camera photos I’ve received recently. Thanks to the hunters, and good luck with these BIG DEER! This first buck was sent to me in a private message on Twitter—the 8-pointer is a monster anywhere, and as big as they come for the southern state where he walks. Wow! From fellow VA hunter Kclap: This is one we've been watching for a couple years. Not a monster, but a cool pic losing his velvet. From longtime Big Deer Blogger Scott: I had a couple pictures of this buck back in late June and first week of July then he disappeared for 2 months. I checked my camera this past week and look who showed back up! [...]

Wisconsin, like most states, after years and decades of public hearings and wrangling on both sides, finally permitted crossbows to be used alongside vertical bows beginning with the 2014 archery season. In one short year, hunters seem to like this option. According to the Milwaukee Sentinel-Journal and info from the Wisconsin DNR, through the first weekend of the 2015 season, crossbow license sales accounted for 32% of bow licenses sold, up from 26% from the same time last year. The report showed 42,245 crossbow licenses sold through last Sunday, up 16% from the same time in 2014. I won’t bore you again with the old arguments of crossbow versus compound, but I do know we have a lot of passionate bowhunters from Wisconsin and [...]

Another field report of a 180-class buck hitting the ground. My friend Ricky Joe Bishop posted this on Facebook: Well the famed "Forrest Gump" buck that roamed the Kentucky hills was brought down by Jack Oneil. Green scored 182 2/8 ! Congrats to Jack. Don’t know how this buck got his name, but I hope to get the full story and find out. I hear that Jack hunted Gump for 3 years and finally got him, good work man.    

The first 2015 BIG DEER field report is in, and it comes with a fabulous picture of a fabulous buck: Hi Mike: Have followed your show and blog reports for years and am finally happy to say that I harvested a deer of a lifetime. My buck was shot in Buffalo County, Wisconsin, and scores 181 gross, with 23 5/8” mains, 15 points, inside spread of 20 5/8”, and only 2.5” inches of side to side difference as a main frame 12! Truly blessed to harvest an animal of such beauty, which I shot on the 3rd day. Passed a 140” 10-point two hours into my hunt, and then shot the big buck. Thought you would like to see it.--Ed [...]

Heart attacks, injured backs and broken bones are among the most common medical emergencies for hunters. Physician Eric Grube, D.O., of the Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse offers tips for a safe hunting season. "I am a hunter and always need to remind myself to lead by example when I'm in the woods," Dr. Grube says. "Hunting can be a fun sport…but we need to make sure that fun isn't spoiled by some unfortunate accident." Wear clothing suitable for for the weather, stay level-headed, and always alert other hunters to your presence in an area, he says. Other tips from Dr. Grube: Watch for heart attack warning signs. One study of middle-aged male hunters found that the activities inherent to hunting -- [...]