194-Inch Georgia Buck Now Platform To Give God Glory

Richard McKenzie now has the No. 2 buck ever recorded from Marion County.

Richard McKenzie has killed the No. 2 overall buck for Marion County with a giant, non-typical 18-pointer that he took on Nov. 17, 2024. It will end up being one of the best bucks from the 2024-25 season, which we’ll be showcasing in the Fab-40 in the August 2025 issue.

Richard’s main-frame 10-pointer has 35 4/8 inches of non-typical antler growth from eight additional points and has an overall gross score of 194 7/8 inches. After side-to-side deductions were taken, the buck has an amazing 189 2/8-inch non-typical net score.

“I want to praise God first,” said Richard emphatically. “God gave me this buck. I can think that I did something special to get him, but I didn’t. It’s a gift from God.”

Richard lives in Margate, Fla. On the morning of Nov. 17, Richard and his good friend Kyle woke up prepared to drive to Stewart County to chase a big drop-tine buck they had on camera there. However, thanks to Tactacam’s Reveal cell cameras, the hunting pair saw a new buck on Richard’s Marion County property show up at 5:37 a.m. that very morning.

“We couldn’t believe it. We had never gotten this buck on camera before,” remarked Richard. “I want to give Reveal cameras some credit, behind God, of course. This was my first season using cell cameras, and it proved to be a game changer for me.”

After some discussion about which property to hunt, Kyle convinced Richard to hunt in Marion County for the massive newcomer.

Amazingly, a few hours after the trail-camera pictures had come through, Kyle saw the huge 18-point buck with three does and witnessed the buck raking a tree aggressively with his antlers. A good, ethical shot did not present itself that morning, so Kyle wisely let the prized buck walk. That afternoon, as the sun began to set, Richard saw three does step out on the powerline, and what should be behind them but the goliath buck!

Richard took in the moment as the colorful sunset sky grew more vibrant behind his phenomenal target buck, and he squeezed a round off on his Tikka T3 .308 to make a successful 70- to 80-yard shot.

“This will tell you something about my buddy Kyle… he was just as happy or happier that I killed the buck. He’s that kind of friend,” stated Richard proudly. “I was also impressed that several of the neighbors who had trail-camera pictures of the buck began congratulating me instead of acting jealous.”

The outpouring of support and happiness from strangers solidified Richard’s knowledge that his harvest was God-ordained.

“When I killed this buck, I thought of Ephesians 3:20: ‘Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.’ Some people may wonder why God would care about something as insignificant as a deer harvest, but it shows His vast love for us. He knows how to speak to us and get our attention. I could have never killed a buck like this without God’s blessings.”

Richard wants to use his enormous buck as a platform for God’s glory.

“No matter where you are at in this journey called life, nothing is too impossible for God. Just call upon him, and He will answer!”

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