After 35 years of chasing big-antlered whitetails with a recurve and arrowing numerous trophy bucks, John Bader of Jerseyville, Illinois, finally crossed paths with the buck of many lifetimes.

Since 1973, John has taken over 30 bucks with a recurve. Several of his past trophies scored in the 140- to 150-class range. But on November 7, 2006, this 270-pound (field dressed) brute walked broadside in front of John at 14 steps. The rutting giant was following a doe.

Hunting with his 80-pound Damon Howatt recurve bow, 780-grain wooden arrows and 1970-style bear broadheads, John made an "easy" shot and the monster dropped within 30 steps. It won the big buck contest at a nearby taxidermy shop and John received a free shoulder mount.

Main beam lengths of 27 5/8 on the left and 28 3/8 on the right contributed to a final net score of 179 5/8 Pope & Young points. "Most hunters never get to see a buck of this class, let alone kill one," John said. "Are they rare? You bet! It only took me 35 years to put an arrow in one! Am I pumped? You bet!"

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