The state of Pennsylvania is well known for its great deer-hunting tradition. More deer are harvested here each year than in most of the rest of the northeastern U.S. combined.

Galen Halteman's typical 10-pointer grossed 159 7/8 and netted 154 1/8. The inside spread was impressive at 22 7/8 inches, with main beams of 25 and 24 2/8 inches. Photo courtesy of Galen Halteman.

And in recent years, this state has also gained respect for its trophy whitetails. In 2007, a batch of fantastic trophy bucks fell in the state during all hunting seasons -- archery, firearms and flintlock. Again in 2008, some phenomenal bucks have been taken, including a great archery typical that just might be the biggest from last year! To make the story even more interesting, the great buck was an 18-year-old's first bow-killed buck!

EVOLUTION OF A TROPHY HUNTER
Galen Halteman of Lederach is now 19 years old and has been hunting whitetails for about seven years, since the tender age of 12. He was a relative novice bowhunter heading into the 2008 season, having taken five does during his three years as a bowhunter.

While he had not taken a buck with his bow leading into the 2008 season, Halteman had become a fairly accomplished hunter. He had taken several other deer over the years with a rifle, including two bucks.

His experiences before the 2008 season had led him to transition from a deer hunter to more of a trophy buck hunter. He felt he had gained enough experience and skill to set his sights on a mature buck. And, as he would find out later, he had the persistence required to make his dream a reality.

In fact, during the 2007 season, Halteman saw a 10-pointer during the doe-only season that was big enough to haunt his dreams and cause him to focus on shooting a buck that big.

During his scouting efforts the next summer, he saw the big buck again. He now knew the deer had survived the winter, and he set his sights on this buck. He just had to figure out how and where to hunt him.

In an attempt to draw the deer out of the timber and into an open field, Halteman decided to plant some late-summer food plots. He could then set his tree stand about 20 yards back off the field in an attempt to ambush the buck as he headed to the field to feed.

Once the season began, Halteman had some proof that the trap would work. In October, he had an opportunity to take a beautiful 8-pointer, but he let the deer pass. Halteman was focused on the 10-pointer, and was filled with hope that this monster was still out there, and if he was out there, Halteman would get him! (Continued)

A NOVEMBER ENCOUNTER
According to Halteman, the morning of Nov. 1 looked to be a perfect morning in Montgomery County in southeastern Pennsylvania. It was clear and cold, and bucks were finally starting to chase does. But, as is often the case on these "perfect days" for hunting, things started off uneventfully.