Trophy Spike Deer: A Seasonal Success

The great outdoors. For many, there's no better place to be than in the midst of nature, surrounded by the sights and sounds of wildlife thriving. For John Hatt, a passionate hunter from Paw Paw, Michigan, this season was one for the books. With a keen eye and a steady hand, he bagged an impressive 12-point whitetail deer, complete with a unique spike on its rack.

The story begins when Hatt spotted the buck running across his neighbor's property. After getting permission to hunt, he tracked the deer, waiting patiently until it stopped at a distance of 45 yards. With a well-placed grunt, the buck came to a halt, providing Hatt with the perfect shot. Measuring in at 120-130 yards away when first seen, this was no small feat.

Hatt's trophy spike deer boasts impressive antlers, with second and third points on each side ranging between 9 5/8 and 11 1/8 inches in length. The left brow tine measures 7 2/8 inches long, while the right is a mere 9 4/8 inches shorter. All of the tines are exceptionally long, making this rack a true standout.

Michigan's Upper Peninsula has seen its fair share of massive whitetail deer over the years. In fact, several impressive specimens were bagged last fall, including one 17-point non-typical that grossed an astonishing 175 and netted 171 4/8 inches in length. Another notable buck from the same region measured 180 7/8 inches in length, with a score of 171 3/8.

John Hatt's trophy spike deer may not have reached these incredible heights, but it is still an impressive feat, especially considering the challenges he faced while tracking his quarry. His experience serves as a reminder that even in counties without mandatory antler point restrictions, there are still plenty of opportunities for hunters to bag trophy-sized whitetail deer.

Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting out, stories like John Hatt's are sure to inspire and motivate. Who knows what wonders the next hunting season may bring?

Trophy spike deer