The story of the 170-inch buck, known as “Dak,” is a tale that exemplifies the pursuit of the perfect trophy whitetail. Featured in an unforgettable episode of Midwest Whitetail, Dak’s journey from an elusive buck to a trophy hunter’s dream is one that captured the hearts of viewers and left an indelible mark on the show’s history. The buck’s size and behavior made him a true legend in the Midwest, and the hunt for him would become one of the most exciting and rewarding challenges for the hunter who finally took him down.
The story begins a few years prior to the harvest when the team first laid eyes on Dak. At the time, he was just another young buck roaming the fields, but his potential was undeniable. He had a unique, wide rack with impressive tines that indicated he would one day become a massive deer. Over the years, the team kept tabs on Dak, tracking his growth and behaviors through trail camera footage and on-the-ground scouting. As Dak matured, his impressive antlers grew year after year, eventually reaching the 170-inch mark, which made him one of the most sought-after bucks in the region.
The hunt for Dak wasn’t easy. He was an intelligent and elusive buck, using the dense cover of the Midwest terrain to his advantage. He had a knack for avoiding hunters, and no matter how much the team studied his patterns, he always seemed to stay just out of reach. This made the challenge even more enticing for the hunter determined to bring him down.
As the 2020 hunting season progressed, the team put everything they had learned into action. They set up in strategic locations and patiently waited for Dak to make an appearance. As the rut reached its peak, they knew this would be the best time to intercept him. With nerves of steel, the hunter remained still in the stand, watching the land for any sign of Dak’s movement.

Finally, after days of patience, the moment arrived. Dak appeared in the distance, and everything came together. The hunter’s focus was unwavering as they made the perfect shot. The arrow flew true, striking Dak with precision, and within moments, the massive 170-inch buck fell.
The harvest of Dak was the culmination of years of hard work, scouting, and patience. The buck’s size and majestic antlers made him a trophy to remember, but it was the story behind the hunt that truly made the experience unforgettable. Dak’s legacy lives on as a symbol of the persistence and dedication required to chase after a world-class whitetail. For the team behind Midwest Whitetail, it was another unforgettable chapter in their ongoing quest for giant bucks.
