Every hunter dreams of coming face-to-face with a giant buck, but what if that dream takes place in the middle of the city? That’s exactly what happened when I encountered Bartholomule, the gnarly 181-inch urban buck, who became the legend of the neighborhood and one of the most memorable hunts of my career.
Bartholomule wasn’t your average buck. This massive mule deer had become a local celebrity, seen roaming the urban parks and wooded areas that bordered the town. He was elusive, but trail cameras and local sightings confirmed what everyone had suspected: Bartholomule was a giant, and he had made the city his home. Despite the concrete and lights, the deer had adapted, thriving in the pockets of wilderness that remained amidst the urban sprawl.
The hunt began after weeks of scouting and learning his patterns. He was nocturnal, only venturing out at dusk and dawn. My plan was to catch him in the early hours, just before the city fully woke up. I knew he frequented a small patch of woods behind a strip mall, where he fed on acorns and made his way to a nearby creek. The challenge was getting close without spooking him—this was an urban environment, and noise and movement were constant threats.
On the morning of the hunt, I set up in a hidden location on the outskirts of the woods, knowing the deer would likely pass through at any moment. The air was still, and the light was soft, giving me the perfect conditions to remain undetected. Then, there he was—Bartholomule, stepping silently into view. His gnarly rack, wide and thick with mass, stood out against the backdrop of the urban forest, each tine looking like a work of art. This was the buck I had been waiting for.
With the city just a stone’s throw away, I steadied my bow and waited for the perfect shot. The wind was in my favor, and Bartholomule moved closer. At 25 yards, I drew back and let the arrow fly. The impact was immediate, and the deer bolted, but not far. His thick coat and the sheer size of his antlers made him a sight to behold.
The search wasn’t long, and I found him just off the trail. Bartholomule was even more impressive in person—a true urban legend. The 181-inch rack was one of the most gnarly and unique I had ever seen. It was a reminder that, even in the most unlikely places, nature’s giants still thrive. Bartholomule had become a symbol of survival and strength in the urban wild. This hunt, set against the backdrop of city life, will remain one of the most incredible stories in my hunting journey.
