If someone ever designs an I-heart-Kansas tee shirt, Carlo Longobardo will buy one in every color.
The New York City firefighter became infatuated with the Sunflower State after first going there with his cousin, Tommy Inzalaco, in 2012. They hunted deer with Dave Chism of Pocket Holler Haven Outfitters.
"I was blown away by how many bucks I saw in one week," Carlo said of his trip to Montgomery County, Kansas. "In New York, we're lucky to see more than one buck during the whole season."
The cousins were smitten, and they counted the days until they could return with their bows in 2013. The trail camera photographs sent by their host served as gasoline for their flames.
During his first four days in a stand, Carlo saw several shooter bucks, all beyond bow range. He was delighted, but frustrated.
Same story, different day on Nov. 13, at least at first.
Carlo saw a really nice buck at about 125 yards, walking slowly and snuffling up acorns, but he couldn't persuade it to come any closer.
"I tried to call to it, but it just looked my way and continued walking," he said.
At 10:20, he saw another very nice buck at 80 yards. He tried to call it closer as well, but only a small buck responded.
"I was so frustrated, I sent text messages to both Tommy and Dave, telling them about my morning," Carlo said. "Dave told me to sit tight and stop whining. He said he'd come get me at noon."
An hour later, three does passed within 15 yards of Carlo's tree.
"Knowing my ride was due within half an hour, I was anxious to see if a buck was following them," he said. "After 15 minutes, though, I concluded they must have been alone."
Carlo lowered his bow to the ground five minutes before noon. When he stood and took a couple of steps down, however, he decided to just swing around and sit on the platform.
"I just changed my mind. I figured I might as well sit tight until Dave arrived," he said.
That was a very good move indeed.
By the time his chauffeur drove up, Carlo had arrowed a 14-pointer with a BTR composite score of 191 2/8 inches.