I have hunted deer since 1960 and only have seen one, which I was fortunate to take. Grossed 182-1/4 and netted 175-3/8. Have seen a few 150’s over the years, I guess the stars just aligned that afternoon.
In regard to the Uncle Lee buck, I was once told while shopping there that Bill Jordan knew of this buck while still alive. He offered the owner a nice amount to allow him to come in and kill it on camera. The owner declined. What ever happened to the buck while living is unknown.
It was a replica buck on display at “uncle lees” at one time. I think it was a 16pt 230 inch typical buck. It’s sheds was found in Iowa and would have been world record. Best to my memory it’s name was “knife handle buck”. Guy took one shed from it and made a knife handle out of it. True giant.
Here is pic knife handle buck. This is not the same replica mount that was in uncle lees but a different one.
I think there would be a lot more 170 plus deer around if guys would pass a 140 to 150 inch deer. I know those are big deer, but if you want to kill a giant, those 150s have to live 1 or 2 more years to make it to 170. Think back 20 to 30 years ago. Everyone shot anything with horns. Very few "big deer" were killed. The last 15 to 20 years folks started passing fork horns and 6 pointers and the average deer killed went to 100 inches or so. The last 5 to 10 years, most guys are passing 100 to 125 inch deer and are shooting 135 to 150s. Just look at the photos on this site, most everyone has trail camera pictures or has killed a 140 inch deer or knows someone that has. If guys would let them walk, the next benchmark would be 150 to 170 inch deer. In all seriousness, how many 140 inch deer does a man really need on his wall before it's time to let a few of them walk and step up to a 160 or 170?? I know the answer to this because I have walked this path with my own farm. Now, if I dont have something 160 plus on camera I dont even go deer hunting. I just wait for the next year and see who survived. I know that's not for everyone, but to each there own. Once again, how many sets of 140 inch deer antlers do you really need? Once you have killed 3 or 4 in my opinion it's time to up your game. I know guys are going to say "well if I dont kill them the neighbors will." Been there, done that. I have met with all of my neighbors and tried to explain the value of letting the little ones walk. You would be surprised at what a few trail camera pictures will do if those guys see the evolution of 2 or 3 deer grow up on film. I explain to them that when a 140 jumps the fence onto me they aren't going to hear a rifle crack. Those deer are safe on my place. In kentucky, very few people own enough real estate to hold a mature buck during its entire life cycle. Getting the neighbors to buy in to the management plan is extremely important. Even if my neighbors didnt buy in I would still let a 140 walk. There is always a chance he will survive until the next season and I will have a chance to hunt what I consider to be a trophy deer. Once again, I dont fault the guys who shoot 140s, it's their tag and they can fill it with any deer they choose. I just think your odds are better to kill a 170 if that 140 gets another year or two to grow.
I hunt because I love it. I hope I never become a guy that won’t hunt a season because I don’t have a 160” deer on camera. I’ll keep stacking 130-150” deer and enjoying my time in the field with my son and buddies. That’s what it’s all about!!!
