From Trail Cams to Trophy Bucks

Developing a plan, putting in the long hours, and watching it truly come together is one of the most fulfilling parts of the hunt. From days spent scouting in the heat of summer to carefully placing trail cameras and studying patterns, this hunter was committed to finding success. The payoff? Four seasons. Four mature bucks. Read how his strategic approach and confidence behind his crossbow led to an incredible run of success in the whitetail woods. 

Can you tell us about your hunting background and how you got into crossbows?

 I'm from northeast central Ohio, halfway between Cleveland and Columbus, about an hour from each. I've been a long-time deer, duck, and turkey hunter. I hunted with a compound bow most of my life, harvesting many deer, but I reached a point where I'd invite other folks to hunt my property and it seemed like the big one would always get away from someone due to distance.

That's when I decided to buy a crossbow, originally more to let other folks hunt with. Knowing that I often hosted and enjoyed teaching the ins and outs of hunting, the R10 seemed like an amazing option. When I bought it back in 2019, I was getting ready to visit a friend in New Hampshire for black bear hunting. I figured that it was a great opportunity to put it to use. The first arrow out of that crossbow was on a 200-pound bear. My buddy, an avid bowhunter who never thought he'd use crossbows, just stared and said, "My gosh, you smoked that thing. It didn't go 50 yards before rolling down the hill.”

That's when it clicked, I've only got so many hours in a day. Practicing with a compound takes serious time. But this crossbow is dead accurate right out of the gate. I got comfortable out to 50 yards fast and I feel extremely confident behind it. A couple years back before I bought my Ravin, I even had a monster buck, bigger than any I've taken since, hold at 70 yards for hours. I had the shot but didn't take it. That's when I switched to the R10. I told myself that if I ever need a 100-yard shot, I'll take it. I respect the animal way too much to push past my limits and possibly shoot an unethical shot. 

I chose crossbows for my archery hunts like I choose ammo for my turkey hunts. I’ve got a goal of shooting a turkey in every state. So when I’m traveling, I don’t mess around with cheaper options, I use TSS. Yeah, it’s expensive, but I’m there to get my bird and move on to the next state. Same thing with the crossbow. When I’m chasing a target buck, the arrow is the cheapest part of the hunt. I’m focused on making a clean, ethical shot, and if that means investing in gear that gets it done right, it’s worth it.

You've taken multiple monster bucks in consecutive years. What's your tactical approach to patterning and hunting these mature deer?

I’ve been extremely fortunate to take some incredible deer in my lifetime. Over the past four years, tagging four monster bucks, I’ve really dialed in my approach, and I feel that it all comes down to trail cam placement and summer scouting. I run CuddeLink cameras but purposely avoid the cellular models. I don’t see the need for a subscription, and honestly, I enjoy the process of checking cameras strategically. 

Early in the season, I’ll put out five or six cameras and leave them alone for a while. By October, I start pulling cards periodically to inventory what’s in the area. But as the prime months hit, I’ll check more often to help plan my movements and sits.

Last November, that process paid off with my 2024 buck. Does were consistently hitting a soybean edge for several days, and my cameras caught the pattern. I set up downwind, and sure enough, he came trailing them later that morning.

I own about 500 acres that include natural funnels like wetlands, county park edges, and soybean fields. I don’t bait or use corn. Instead, I let doe groups dictate where I hunt. If I pull a card and see hot doe activity, that’s where I’ll be for my next sit. Mature bucks can show up anywhere, but without does, I feel like it’s a gamble.

My 2021 and 2024 bucks came from the exact same stand, a setup where I sometimes wade through water just to avoid scent contamination. It’s positioned for west winds, and deer are funneled to pass within 30 yards. In 2022, does led that buck straight across a field to me. The 2023 “unicorn” buck was different. He showed up out of nowhere near public land, which just proves they roam farther than most people think.

Other than my scouting steps, I feel that it is absolutely crucial to work the wind. Like most hunters learn eventually, wind is truly everything. I shower before every hunt, use scent-control gear, and only approach stands with the wind in my face. That 2021 giant came in behind me, completely clueless, because I played the wind perfectly. Allowing me to find success and know that my strategies are the reason. 

Walk us through your practice routine with the Ravin R10. What makes it your go-to crossbow?

The R10 has been an amazing addition for me. I take it out and practice every year before heading into the field. I’ve got a spot where I can shoot anywhere from 10 yards out to around 100. It will be a very rare scenario for me to shoot out to 100, but due to my practice, I know I can consistently and accurately shoot out to 50 yards. 

Funny enough, I originally bought the Ravin R10 thinking my family or friends would use it. I figured it would be a great option for someone who wasn’t as comfortable with a vertical bow. But after trying it out myself, I quickly realized how smooth and accurate it was, and it became my go-to. The consistency really impressed me. Every deer I’ve shot with it hasn’t gone more than 50 yards. The arrow hits hard and fast, and because of that, I have been lucky enough to always watch most of my deer go down within sight. That kind of performance gives me a ton of confidence every time I step into the woods with it.

I honestly think I could hand that Ravin Crossbow to just about anyone, even someone who’s never hunted, and they’d be able to shoot a deer without a problem. I usually have someone shoot a target once or twice just to get a feel for it, and after that, they’re pretty confident they could take down just about any animal they’re after.

I’ve even shot turkeys with it, and they go down instantly. It's just incredibly reliable. Like I did with my buddy in New Hampshire who just picked up the R10 last year, I recommended Ravin and their lineup to anyone looking. It’s just one of those crossbows that gives people instant confidence, whether they’re experienced hunters or just getting started.