Bayou Bucks Magazine March 2012 : Page 13

TROPHY TALK ago,” said Huval. “You usually don’t get very many daylight opportunities at a buck of this caliber in Louisiana.” Huval attributes this daylight activity to very limited pressure. “I never drive anything close to there. If I go on foot, the walk is over a mile. If I go by boat I can get a little closer, but it’s always with a pirogue to limit any noise.” But that’s not all the tricks this hunter uses to get bucks like this to feel more comfortable moving during daylight hours. During the six seasons he’s spent hunting the property, Huval and his fellow club members have been relentless at eradicating the prevalent “fear gene” that exists amongst the resident does in the area. “ ose big does are so smart,” remarks Huval. “We’ve been on a mission to kill as many of ‘em as we can. e ones left over are more relaxed now, and their fawns carry that forward.” One would think a buck of this magnitude would shock a hunter like Huval, but he’s not surprised. “ ese genes are common in the area,” said Huval. “I have antler sheds from bucks that have the same kicker coming off their right main beam,” he said. While Huval understands that genetics play a huge factor in these bucks’ tremendous sizes, he’s quick to point out that it’s Quality Deer Management that allows their full potential to be reached. “We shoot a lot of does and let a ton of bucks walk every year,” he says. “Our land management ensures there’s plenty of food and shelter for these deer to get old—predominantly soybeans in the summer, nuttall oaks in the winter, and CRP thickets year ‘round.” Being privileged to hunt some of the most prime whitetail property in the United States wasn’t always the case for Huvall, however. After all, the Lafayette hunter cut his teeth hunting “the hard way” as a kid on istlethwaite Wildlife Management Area in St. Landry Parish. “ istlethwaite is where we learned how to hunt. Public land humbles you. ose pressured deer are a diff erent kind of animal,” says Huval. His public land exploits on istlethwaite and other public lands throughout the state taught him a few things about the bayou bucks of South Louisiana: “ ey like it thick and they like it wet. If there’s a late season food source nearby, those bucks won’t be far from it.” Huval acknowledges that time spent afi eld is his biggest advantage for learning how deer travel, because on soggy or fl ooded ground, the sign is faint. “ at big buck was on the same path as most of the deer I see funnel through there, and I was lucky enough to get a good shot.” Huval’s buck sported an enormous 10-point frame, with a long split G2 on his right side and an additional “sticker” that gave him 12 total points. Simmons’ Sporting Goods in Bastrop, Louisiana measured the beast at 201 3/8 inches gross Boone & Crockett (B&C), and if he’s scored as a typical buck, will likely net between 180-185 inches B&C and be crowned Louisiana’s new #1 state archery record. So what will Mark Huval dofrom here? “I’ll keep hunting like I always have. I just love being out there. A personal goal of mine has been to kill a mature buck from the ground while stalking in my ghillie suit. I’ll keep on trying.” Mark’s answer was simple, yet a humbling reminder of why we hunt. It’s not the kill that drives us; it’s the pursuit. Best of luck in yours, Mark. Heard of a big buck kill? greg@bayoubucks.com Email us the news! g . shing “An exhilaratin the Bayou’s expedition on iana!” of South Louis Licensed • insured Captain Josh Galt scaled amageBowfishing.com 504.329.0898 March 2012 Bayou Bucks Magazine | 13

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