Hunter: Brandon Hall
Points: 10 (5L, 5R)
County: Tift
Season: 2024-2025
Hunt Story
Brandon Hall, of Tift County, killed this 10-point buck at 6:10 pm in Eldorado. This stand location had only been hunted once all season before this buck was harvested. Hall said, "After church, I decided to drive across the road to the stand and repair a step that caved in during that one previous hunt. The step was repaired and several limbs were trimmed using a polesaw. Needless to say, I was making a bunch of noise during that half-hour around the stand. I usually have the land and stands in that location looking really nice and kept well maintained. Normally, the lanes are cleared, food plots are planted, corn is kept out regularly, limbs are cleared for optimal viewing, and the land stays cut with the tractor. However, this year I just haven't had the time to do that. I've kept my focus on the land behind my house when I had some available time. The majority of my hunts have happened there behind my house with only a coyote killed this season. With that being said, only a total of 30 minutes all year was spent across the road on that hunting land. Which only included repairing a step and trimming a few limbs.
Being a student pastor at my church, normally I have church on Sunday evenings at 6:00. However, most kids that night were practicing for the Christmas musical. I simply decided to cancel our normal youth service at 6:00 because of the practice.
With that in mind, I decided to go straight home to change and come back and hunt in that same stand after I made 30 minutes of noise and commotion.
I made it to the stand around 3:45. At 5:00, I saw a young 4 point buck walking to my right. Me and my family live on venison and I hadn't had any luck this year. That meant I needed to take a shot. Well, I let him walk a little more before he got behind some brush and took a shot. I completely failed. He ran off and never returned. At this point, I'm thinking no more deer will walk out now. But, I decided to stay until dark, because back behind my house earlier this year, I got down too quickly when I thought it was too dark to see and out walks a big buck in the cotton field. I was halfway down the steps of the stand and took an off-balanced shot. I missed him too. After that night, I told myself I will stay in the stand until it's completely dark. That's what I did that Sunday night after missing a young buck and understanding that deer aren't phased by gunshots or tractor noises out in the country.
It's now 6:05 and getting dark. But I had a few more minutes of daylight and I heard some steps approaching. From my peripheral vision, I noticed it was another deer walking directly to my right where the previous young buck walked. A few minutes later I could see the deer in front of the stand just to the right about 15 yards away. By this time, I noticed it was another buck and I had my rifle ready. It was 6:10 pm, meaning it was dark. However, I could see the deer in my scope and prayed as I pulled the trigger. To my amazement, the buck fell immediately. I say that because I hadn't had a successful hunt this year and even missed that young buck just an hour before. I couldn't believe what I was witnessing as I approached the deer. Meaning, I didn't realize how big the buck was in the scope of the rifle. I just noticed it was a bigger buck from the previous young buck. The darkness of the night and tree cover made it hard to exactly make out the size of the deer. I looked and seen an outside spread that was wider than any deer I've ever seen on any of my cameras. This deer has never appeared on any of my cameras. Then, I noticed a crab claw on the rack. I just stared in amazement, but quickly realized I had to load it up and hit the road before the taxidermist and processor closed for the night.
While at the processor, we found a .22 caliber hollow point bullet lodged just under the skin inside what appeared to be a cyst. It was in plain sight and pulled right out. Also, the bullet never expanded. I guess it will always remain a mystery as to who previously shot this buck and the reasoning behind it. Just another unique part to this buck harvest.
I'm a guy who grew up coonhunting with coonhounds alongside my grandpa, dad, and other relatives from my home state of Tennessee. That means I'm relatively new at deer and turkey hunting. I got some invites to go hunt from my friend, Joey, who was my co-worker at the time. I went hunting with him to some WMA's and his family private land. We never had any success from the few times we went together. However, I was determined and I always enjoy the outdoors. I mean really determined. I went on one hunt with him weeks after my knee surgery still on crutches! Of course, we sat behind a blind. I took that determination with me as I got married. Now, I have the opportunity to hunt behind my house and on other family property. I've been hunting now for roughly six years. It's been a challenge, but anything worth having will take hard work and dedication. I remember my first successful deer hunt like it happened yesterday. I shot what I thought was a nice sized doe. At least through the scope of the 30-06. I walked up and was filled with a different type of amazement compared to this last buck. I looked down and seen what almost appeared to be "Bambi!" At least it didn't have any white spots! I was supposed to be ecstatic about my first kill. I was, but wished it could have been a bit bigger.
In regards to my first turkey: that hasn't happened just yet. I'm still waiting for that Tom to come out in front of me rather than the Jakes and hens. That day is coming!
This buck was my sixth deer killed. Six deer in six years. A total of three bucks and three does. I am thankful that all six deer have fell immediately after contact with the 30-06 that my father-in-law gave me.
I'm thankful to God that He has provided us with the land to hunt, the wildgame, and simply the outdoors. I'd trade everyday inside to be outdoors and enjoy His creation!
My wife, Keelee, says I get one mount in the house. This buck will be that one mount!
