The Hunt for the Legendary Buck: A Tale of Persistence and Reward in Illinois

The Big Buck Hunt: A Story of Persistence and Reward in Illinois

On December 7th, a chilly and overcast 35-degree afternoon in northwest Illinois set the stage for an unforgettable hunt. Teddy Robbins, a dedicated hunter from Rock Falls, had just wrapped up a long day at the funeral home where he works. Despite the gloomy weather, he was determined to spend a few hours hunting in a small, 18-acre patch of woods on a friend’s farm.

Robbins knew the area well and had spotted a well-used deer trail that crossed a creek on the property. With his 12-gauge Mossberg shotgun loaded with copper slugs, he ventured to his hunting spot at around 2:45 p.m. A bright blue lawn chair became his seat for the next few hours as he settled in to wait for his prey.

A trail camera photo of a big buck with two split brow tines at night.
Robbins didn’t know the big buck with split brow tines was in the area, but neighbors shared photos after his hunt. Photo courtesy Teddy Robbins

His goal was simple: shoot the first buck that came within range. He settled by a tree, keeping a careful watch of the creek crossing from 50 yards away. After a brief wait, the first deer appeared at 3:30 p.m. The deer, a buck with antlers, headed straight for the creek. Robbins grunted to get its attention, and the buck turned toward him.

At that moment, Robbins readied himself for a shot. The buck was facing him initially but then moved slightly, offering a broadside shot. He aimed and fired, but the buck immediately dashed toward the creek, crossing it quickly before disappearing from sight.

“I wasn’t sure if I hit him,” Robbins later admitted. “I had to shoot between two trees, and the shot felt rushed. He took off fast.” Not knowing for sure whether the shot had been successful, Robbins decided to back out and call for help.

He reached out to his uncle, Seth Nelson, who, along with his son Oliver, quickly arrived to assist. They brought two tracking dogs—a beagle named Ruger and a German shepherd named Maverick—just in case the trail needed extra help. However, Robbins remained hopeful that the buck had been struck and would be easy to find.

Three hunters in orange sit behind a nice buck with two dogs.
From left: Oliver, Seth Nelson, and Robbins, with leashed tracking dogs Ruger and Maverick. Photo courtesy Teddy Robbins

The trio headed straight to the creek, where they found good blood evidence, indicating a successful hit. Just a few yards beyond the creek, they were relieved to find the buck, lying dead from the shot. The tracking dogs weren’t needed after all, but the experience proved valuable for training the dogs.

The buck, which had been through the stresses of the rut, weighed in at 183 pounds before field-dressing. Its impressive rack featured 17 total points and scored a green score of 184 7/8 inches. Robbins was ecstatic with the result and planned to preserve the antlers with a shoulder mount, proudly displaying them by his front door.

Robbins had no idea the massive buck had been nearby, but after speaking with his neighbors, he learned that they had seen the buck on their trail cameras just a week earlier. The buck had been actively roaming the area, searching for does during the rut. This revelation added an extra layer of excitement to Robbins’ successful hunt.

A close-up shot of Robbins' impressive buck with antlers in a wooded area.

The experience highlighted several important lessons for Robbins. First, persistence pays off—he knew his hunting grounds and stuck to his plan. Second, having the right support can make all the difference, whether it’s calling in help or utilizing tracking dogs for an added layer of security. Finally, understanding deer behavior—especially during the rut—was crucial to this successful hunt.

This story isn’t just about the successful hunt but also about the unique bond between a hunter and his land, his friends, and his family. Robbins, like many hunters, has spent countless hours learning the nuances of his hunting grounds, studying deer behavior, and refining his skills. This particular hunt, however, proved to be a remarkable and rewarding experience that will be remembered for years to come.

For many hunters, the pursuit of big game is about more than just the trophy. It’s about the challenges faced, the strategies employed, and the camaraderie built along the way. Robbins’ story is a testament to the patience, dedication, and respect that hunters have for their craft and for nature.

As Robbins continues his hunting adventures, he will undoubtedly face new challenges and perhaps even bigger trophies. But for now, this Illinois hunt stands out as one of the most memorable moments in his hunting journey.

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