After Long History, Big Ohio Buck Taken with Muzzleloader

• Hunter: Jack Mochty
• Buck: 187 6/8 inches
• Date of Harvest: January 7, 2025
• Location of Harvest: Ohio
• Weapon of Harvest: Muzzleloader

Jack Mochty grew up hunting with his father, grandfather, and others. They enjoyed a great hunting camp in Michigan. Eventually, they bought land in Ohio.

“My grandfather in Michigan just passed from stage 4 cancer,” Mochty said. “I remember calling him after I harvested this deer. I am glad we had deer camp, those hunts together, and all the memories and stories that I won’t forget.”

He had three years of trail cam photos of this particular buck. Thinking he was 5 ½ years old, during the 2024 deer season, he decided to hunt it. But first, let’s rewind.

In 2022, the deer followed consistent bed-to-feed patterns. Unfortunately, that season, it injured its leg. Fortunately, it survived. Mochty found the deer’s sheds.

In 2023, the buck was even more active on trail cams. Mochty saw it several times when hunting. The deer had a large hematoma on his leg, so Mochty easily identified him. In late winter, he found the buck’s sheds again.

When 2024 arrived, he knew he’d target the buck. That summer, he followed the deer via trail cams. It was all over the property. That was good, because Mochty doesn’t have a lot of time to hunt.

“A few years ago, I moved to Florida, so I don’t get near as much time out there in the woods as I would like,” Mochty said. “Last season, I took a bunch of time off work to try and finish the story with him.”

Reflecting on the past, the property has been in the family for more than 15 years. It’s all timber, but they’ve spent a lot of time managing the habitat. They’d already shot some big deer, including some in the 150- to 170-inch range. Mochty had confidence he could do it again.

January 7, 2025, arrived with 6 to 8 inches of snow on the ground. It was gloomy, and the air was freezing cold.

The area is full of steep terrain and large hillsides. The sub-30-acre property hunts way bigger, though, due to the land layout. His spot overlooked a small valley.

Mochty’s girlfriend, who’s new to hunting, was with him. That morning, they saw a lot of deer, including 10 does and a 7-pointer, but not the big one. Around midday, they scouted a bit before the evening hunt.

That afternoon, the air was cold and dry. Soon after setting up, a doe walked out. After a while, 10 more does walked into view. The 7-pointer, and a 9-pointer, followed suit.

“The 13-pointer was the last one to show,” Mochty said. “He came in from the back thick cover.”

Eventually, the deer stopped broadside at 35 yards. “I shot him 35 yards while he was occupied with all the other deer,” Mochty said. “There wasn’t a huge blood trail, though he didn’t go but 25 yards. After that moment, and watching him go down, it was just relief, sadness, accomplishment, thankfulness, and joy.”

Looking back, he remembered the many dozens of sits invested in hunting this buck. He had multiple close-call encounters, and so did his dad. Finally, everything panned out.

“I am grateful for the opportunity,” Mochty said. “The level of care and respect we have for these animals is something not everyone understands. Having previous sheds and so much history allowed me to understand his movement better and allow for a greater connection.

“I love the peace and quiet with nature,” Mochty said. “Watching the woods wake up in the fall will always be my favorite feeling. Hunting challenges, teaches, and provides for you. It teaches you. I hope we can continue to improve the herd and wildlife for future generations to come.”

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