Skip to main content

Mike Kemble's Near-Record 8-Point Buck

Mike Kemble's Near-Record 8-Point Buck

When the drying period ends on January 2nd, we'll find out if Mike Kemble's Ohio trophy is the new bench mark for eight-point monarchs.

Prior to November 3rd of this year, the number 180 3/8 and the names Vernon Winter and Victor Bulliner didn't mean a thing to Ohio hunter Mike Kemble. Winter -- of South Dakota -- and Bulliner -- of Michigan -- both took typical eight-point bucks (Winter in 1965 and Bulliner in 2001) that rank as B&C's best with the score of 180 3/8 inches net.
That all changed however when Kemble was able to drop a magnificent heavy-horned typical eight-point buck that grossed 186 inches and could potentially become the new benchmark for top typical eight points.
Victor Bulliner with his fantastic Michigan eight-point taken in 2001

His question was soon answered though when the buck of his dreams entered the fray, a tall and heavy eight-point giant that was looking for a fight 20 yards from Kemble and his Horton Crossbow.

The bolt flew and found its mark. Kemble watched with trembling excitement as the big deer crashed not 50 yards from where he was hit.

Kemble was elated with his kill, sending texts to buddies up and down his contact list. But the magnitude of having just shot an eight-point that could go down as one of the biggest ever didn't sink in until later that evening.

"I'd thought I'd shot a nice 160-inch-type buck, but when my buddies and I started putting tape to the rack, it started to sink in that I'd shot something special," shared Kemble.

The buck features 6 inches of mass at the bases, a 29 3/4-inch left mainbeam and 29 1/4 right mainbeam. The inside spread was 20 3/4 inches. Kemble is having the buck officially scored on January 2 after the 60-day drying period ends and is hopeful that the deer will come in higher than the 180 3/8-inch number that's now laser-etched in his head.
The buck should easily find itself as the new top eight-point buck for Ohio, which is 177 inches. Whether it'll top 180 3/8 and become the new benchmark for great eights? We'll be sure to let you know whatever the final number ends up being.
Kemble was hunting near Ravenna, Ohio and was set up just inside a small strip of timber that stretched between two big cutouts. In his stand and ready to go at 6:30 a.m., Kemble spotted activity right away when a small buck came trotting past his stand. Shortly after that, a 135-inch buck stepped out and in an effort to bring the nice deer closer, Kemble grunted but instead of drawing the deer in, the buck bolted, leaving Kemble wondering what the heck was going on.
Each issue of North American Whitetail brings you effective techniques for outsmarting monster bucks. You'll learn the success secrets of North America's most accomplished, most knowledgeable whitetail hunters - riflemen and bowhunters alike.

Take home a trophy whitetail - Subscribe today!

Vernon Miller took his fantastic South Dakota eight-point buck in 1965

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

Jeremy Moore and guest Randy Birdsong discuss the value of trapping predators.
Whitetail

First Time's a Charm

Jeremy Moore and guest Randy Birdsong discuss the value of trapping predators.
Whitetail

Big Sky, Big Bucks

Jeremy Moore and guest Randy Birdsong discuss the value of trapping predators.
Whitetail

Early-Season Archery

Jeremy Moore and guest Randy Birdsong discuss the value of trapping predators.
Whitetail

Whitetails & Wheel Guns

Jeremy Moore and guest Randy Birdsong discuss the value of trapping predators.
Whitetail

Love & War

Jeremy Moore and guest Randy Birdsong discuss the value of trapping predators.
Whitetail

Living the Dream

Jeremy Moore and guest Randy Birdsong discuss the value of trapping predators.
Whitetail

Wyoming Whitetail Crossbow Hunt

Jeremy Moore and guest Randy Birdsong discuss the value of trapping predators.
Whitetail

Stan Potts' Debut NAW Hunt

Jeremy Moore and guest Randy Birdsong discuss the value of trapping predators.
Whitetail

September Black Hills Whitetail Hunt

Jeremy Moore and guest Randy Birdsong discuss the value of trapping predators.
Whitetail

Gordon's First NAW Hunt

Jeremy Moore and guest Randy Birdsong discuss the value of trapping predators.
Land Management

The Basics of Trapping

Jeremy Moore and guest Randy Birdsong discuss the value of trapping predators.
Learn

The Basics of Trapping Predators

North American Whitetail Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

PREVIEW THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Buy Single Digital Issue on the North American Whitetail App

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All North American Whitetail subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now