There’s something special about bowhunting in Ohio. With its rich farmlands, dense woodlots, and rolling hills, the Buckeye State offers prime habitat for monster bucks. This past season, I had the privilege of harvesting my best buck to date, an experience I won’t soon forget.
The hunt began on a chilly October morning. The leaves had just started to turn, and the crisp air carried the scent of autumn. I had been scouting this particular buck for weeks, monitoring his movements through trail cameras and pinpointing his favorite feeding areas. A large oak flat near a bedding area seemed to be his preferred spot, so I decided to set up my stand there.
As dawn broke, the forest came alive with the sounds of birds and rustling leaves. I settled into my stand, carefully watching for any sign of movement. After an hour of waiting, I caught a glimpse of a set of antlers moving through the brush. My heart pounded as the massive buck slowly made his way toward me, stopping occasionally to scan his surroundings.
At 25 yards, he paused to nibble on acorns, presenting me with the perfect broadside shot. I took a deep breath, steadied my aim, and released the arrow. The shot was clean, striking the buck behind the shoulder. He bolted but only made it about 60 yards before collapsing.
After giving him some time, I climbed down and followed the blood trail. My excitement grew as I spotted him lying in the thick brush. Kneeling beside him, I took a moment to appreciate the beauty of the animal and the effort it took to make this hunt successful. The buck was even larger than I had expected, a true Ohio giant.
Hunting with a bow is always a challenge, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. The patience, skill, and preparation required to get within bow range of a mature buck make every successful hunt even more special. Ohio continues to prove why it’s one of the best states for whitetail hunting, and I can’t wait to see what next season brings.
For now, I’ll cherish this hunt and the memories made in the woods, knowing that hard work and persistence always pay off. My Ohio archery buck will forever be a highlight of my hunting journey.
