Ken Shannon, Alabama

Patience proved to be a virtue for Ken Shannon of Southside, Alabama. Hunting with his .243 in Coosa County during the 1997 gun season, he passed up a 4-pointer and two spikes in his quest for a more mature buck. Along came this 3 1/2-year-old 9-pointer with a 15 4/8-inch spread, and Ken had his trophy. What's more, hunting partner Jim Kennedy, who was set up nearby, got the shot on videotape!