Marc Somers and his good friend Cody Larrimore hunted as a team to down this Kansas buck, and when the time was right they operated like a well-oiled machine. (Photo courtesy of Cody Larrimore)
October 27, 2021
By Marc Somers
Breaking News Bucks 2021 While the story of “Larri” only began a few months ago, it’s been decades of work, sacrifice and choosing to surround myself with the most selfless friends I could ask for that got me here. The sacrifices and help from Cody Larrimore made this hunt possible. The footage he captured couldn’t be more impressive. His never-ending knowledge that he’s shared with me in the past few years has elevated my skills and brought out a passion I never knew I’d find within myself. Because of the impact Cody has had on my life, I decided to name this buck “Larri,” after my friend Cody Larrimore.
The events from that night are just now coming back to me as I write this Breaking News Buck piece, but one thing I will never forget was hearing those two words Cody whispered, “He’s here.”
As I looked up, Larri was turning the corner into our very limited shooting lane. There was no panic and no hesitation from inside the blind—just a solid plan. Despite it being the first time Cody or I had seen the buck in person, we were ready. We had planned. We had prepared. Now it was time to execute.
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Cody said from the start, “If this deer makes a mistake, it will be the biggest mistake he’s ever made.”
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So, when I clipped my release onto the D-loop of my Mathews Halon , we both knew the mistake had been made. Cameras one, two, three and four were in the red and recording; but one minute moved to two, then three, then four, and my mind started racing with anticipation. Larri stood over our Ani-Logics minerals for 17 minutes!
Eventually, though, Larri turned broadside, and I released my arrow.
It was teamwork that brought this buck to the ground. (Photo courtesy of Cody Larrimore) “It actually happened,” said Cody, “What a giant!”
I was overwhelmed with emotions, my eyes filled with tears of appreciation as I reflected on what just happened. This was the most humbling, rewarding and meaningful opportunity I’ve ever experienced. I learned a great deal about myself; I learned just how smart these mature whitetails truly are, what true friends are willing to do for each other and how much I value the chase of whitetail deer more than I enjoy the moment of the kill.
Hunting a whitetail of this caliber is one thing, putting him down with a bow is another, but getting it all on film is quite simply amazing. (Photo courtesy of Cody Larrimore) The amount of support I’ve already received has been overwhelming. It means more than I can put into words. I am truly grateful and appreciative to have had this opportunity and the support from so many close friends and family members.
I will never hunt deer with a rifle again!
