In the world of bowhunting, persistence and strategy often lead to extraordinary results. For Justin, his three-year chase for an Illinois giant named Pax became one of the most unforgettable and rewarding hunts of his career. The pursuit of this massive buck, along with another stud deer during the same season, epitomized the passion and dedication that define the true spirit of bowhunting.
The story began three years ago when Justin first laid eyes on Pax. The buck, with its towering antlers and impressive mass, immediately caught Justin’s attention. Over the next few seasons, Justin meticulously tracked Pax’s movements across the vast Illinois landscape. Every hunt was a new challenge. The buck was elusive, showing up only when least expected and often at the most difficult times to hunt. But Justin wasn’t deterred—he knew the effort would eventually pay off.
During the first year of the pursuit, Justin’s only encounters with Pax were brief and distant. He was able to get some trail camera footage and gain insight into the buck’s habits, but the elusive nature of Pax kept Justin on his toes. As the second season rolled around, Justin was more prepared. He made strategic adjustments to his hunting stands, carefully selecting spots near Pax’s known travel corridors. Despite his best efforts, Pax proved just as elusive, managing to avoid Justin’s arrows once again.
However, Justin’s persistence never wavered. Entering the third season of the chase, everything fell into place. The weather conditions were perfect, and the rut was in full swing—prime time for chasing trophy bucks. As luck would have it, Justin had positioned himself near a key trail that Pax had been using more frequently. This time, the encounter was different. Pax appeared, and as he moved into range, Justin drew his bow and released an arrow with precision. The shot was true, and after a brief chase, the giant buck fell.
But the story didn’t end there. In the same season, Justin encountered another giant buck, a true Illinois stud. His careful planning and understanding of deer movement allowed him to harvest this magnificent animal as well.
Justin’s three-year chase for Pax and the second giant buck was a testament to the power of persistence and preparation. His journey serves as a reminder that the true rewards of hunting are not just in the harvest, but in the journey itself—the lessons learned, the patience tested, and the thrill of the pursuit.
