On the afternoon of Thursday, Sept. 29, 2005, Eric Ritzma of Lafayette County, Missouri set out for his first archery deer hunt of the year. He had seen large antlered deer in the area during August for the past few years, but during hunting season, they always became ghosts.

The sun was setting and darkness was coming fast when he happened to see an antler tine move off to his right about 30 to 35 yards away.

What lay before Ritzma's eyes weren't one buck, but two! He decided to wait them out and see what happened. Suddenly the bigger of the two moved around the smaller buck and walked right into his shooting lane. As he approached, Eric drew his bow and attempted to find his sights in the waning light. As he released his arrow, he heard the most satisfying “thwack” he have ever heard.

After the 60-day drying period, the rack scored for the Pope & Young record book. The total gross score was 166 1/8 inches with a net official score of 161 5/8 inches.

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