Any legal buck is a cause for excitement, but experience teaches us that when we arrive at the harvested animal, the rack has a tendency to be a bit smaller than we first thought. This is called ground shrinkage. When you walk up to your animal and it’s far bigger than you thought, it’s an amazing experience and one to celebrate. This seven-point rack was twice as large as I expected.
Outdoors, Sports
November 11, 2026
A big buck surprise
As the road before me began its long drop down to Smethport, the eastern horizon began to lighten. I...


