Mike Handley posted on January 23, 2012 07:03
By Mike Handley
Don't tell Will Rives that lightning won't strike twice.
Last year, the bowhunter from Natchez arrowed a new Mississippi record Semi-irregular -- 183 4/8 inches on the Buckmasters scale (with a composite score of 200 6/8). Although the deer actually fared better with the BTR, a Pope-and-Young score of 172 put it in their top spot as well.
Two weeks ago, Will stuck what might be a new No. 1 Typical for both the BTR, a second state record with us, and P&Y. Mississippi Sportsman Magazine reports that his most recent buck has been rough-scored at 187. I don't know if that's a net or gross figure.
"I called my wife and told her, 'You won't believe it. I killed another one like the one I got last year. Something bad is about to happen,'" Will laughed. "To be lucky enough to kill two of them ... is about the odds of winning the Power Ball."
Will told the Sportsman he chose the spot because he'd found one enormous track under an oak. He was aloft by 2 p.m. on Jan. 2 when the deer came to snarf up acorns. The shot was 23 yards.
The buck carries a mainframe 5x5 rack with a forked left brow tine. The bases reportedly measure between 6 and 6 1/2 inches. It hasn't been taped for BTR yet.
Dates to Remember
Jan. 27-29: BTR scorers will be measuring antlers in Topeka's ExpoCentre during the first-ever Monster Buck Classic. This show is a first for Kansas, so it should attract some of the largest whitetails on the planet. If you're really into big deer, this is a must-see.
Jan. 28-29: Hunters living in northern Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin or Michigan who would like to have their bucks measured for the Buckmasters record book can avoid the $25 entry fee by bringing their deer to the 28th annual Hammond, Ind., Outdoor Sports Show inside the Jean Shepherd Community Center.
March 16-18: If you're interested in becoming a Buckmasters scorer, the next measuring class will be held during Circle M Auctions' 11th Annual Whitetail Classic Sport Show and Antler Auction in Dubuque, Iowa's Grand River Center. You'll have to pre-register for the class. This rare opportunity aside, the show attracts truckloads of antlers and serious collectors. For information about the class and to download the pre-registration forms, click HERE.
