Henry County Deer Hunting Report

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HEFTY DEER TAKEN…. COOLER WEATHER WELCOMED
by Steve McCadams
www.stevemccadams.com

Deer hunters across the region are glad to see the change. Cooler weather that is, as many thought the archery and muzzleloader seasons thus far were being held during the summer months.

For the last several weeks outdoorsmen have had unusually warm weather and while not many people have complained, it has been a bit difficult for some anglers and hunters stalking the woods.

Tennessee’s first segment of muzzleloader season got underway on Monday but hunters didn’t need overcoats. In fact, record temperatures were set this week as the mercury climbed into the low 80’s.

Meanwhile, a weather change at midweek has stimulated movement and deer hunters are reporting more sightings. Even during the warm weather the scrapes were evident as the rut enters the active phase.

What about big deer? That’s always a question around the coffee table at local bait and tackle shops or sporting goods stores this time of year.

Garry Owens of Springville has the largest deer I’ve heard about thus far. Owens bagged a hefty buck in Henry County that tipped the scales at 220 pounds. He checked in his deer at Barrett’s in Big Sandy where Linda Forrest said it was the largest buck she has seen this year.

His trophy 10-pointer was taken during archery season too, making it even more special.

“Wouldn’t you know it but I hadn’t entered the big buck contests at the Tower Sports Center or Kirk’s Trading Post at the time but I have now,” laughed Owens. “Maybe I’ll get lucky and take another good one this season.”

A lot of hunters have been passing up smaller bucks and that seems to have increased the size in many areas of the county.

From last week’s youth hunt comes word of success by many juveniles who participated in the first of two special hunts this season.

Clint Evans of Puryear won the Tower’s annual Youth Deer Hunt Big Buck Contest. His 10-point buck weighing 187 pounds earned him a plaque and $75. Second place and a $50 gift certificate went to Ty Wilson of Paris for a 174-pound 8-point buck. Third place went to Justin Chillcutt of Paris for a nice 10-point buck weighing 157 pounds, which earned him a $25 gift certificate.

The kids checked in some 46 bucks and 17 does at the Tower during last weekend’s two-day hunt.

Muzzleloader hunters are still in the woods this week but already a couple of dandy bucks have been checked in by Earl Mealer, Jr. of Puryear and Ray James of Paris. Mealer’s buck was a 12-pointer tipping the scales at 156 pounds. James’ buck was a 9-pointer that weighed 187 pounds.

It will be interesting to see how the cooler weather changes the over deer picture this week.

There’s still a lot of hunting ahead.

Steve McCadams
is a professional hunting and fishing guide here in the Paris Landing area. He has also contributed many outdoor oriented articles to various national publications.

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