Adam Stout's fantastic Keystone State typical 12-pointer grossed 170 5/8 inches and netted 165 3/8. Photo courtesy of Adam Stout.

Pennsylvania has always been known for its great deer-hunting tradition. Each year, more deer are harvested here than in most of the rest of the northeastern U.S. combined. But this state has rarely been known for producing big bucks. Through the '90s, serious trophy hunters disrespected it, while high percentages of yearling and immature bucks were harvested each and every season.

Back in 2001, Dr. Gary Alt set out to do something about that by introducing some controversial antler restrictions. Some would argue that they're working: Over the last several years, archers, firearms hunters and traditional flintlock hunters alike have taken many monster bucks.

In 2007, another batch of fantastic trophy bucks fell in the state. This article features one of them -- a great "backyard" archery typical that is the best from 2007!

THE STOUT BUCK
Adam Stout has always had an obsession with whitetails. He can easily recall his many sleepless nights that preceded the opening days of buck season, though in those early years, he was just tagging along with his dad. He even remembers the knots in his stomach after he harvested a deer.

In August 2006, Stout became obsessed with one particular buck, and he wouldn't rest until he tagged it.

HIS FIRST ENCOUNTER
On the first week of August 2006, Stout headed out the back door to begin his chores on the family turkey farm. As he walked through the small field behind the house, he noticed a small buck feeding along the wood line just down from the barn.

Stout paused to watch, but the deer spooked and took off through the field and back into the woods.

When he took another step, Stout was shocked to see a large 10-point buck jump from the brush near where the smaller buck had been feeding.

Stout watched in awe as the big buck bounded away. Just like that, his obsession had officially begun!

Stout couldn't contain his excitement. He ran back to the house and called his parents at work to tell them about the buck. They had always seen a few does and small bucks around the house in past years, but nothing like this!

The Stouts own about five acres of woods in Mifflin County -- a small patch surrounded by agricultural fields, houses and roads. According to Stout, their woodlot is about 350 yards long and about 80 yards wide at its widest point. It consists mostly of thick briars, good for rabbits -- and good for trophy bucks as well.

Stout hurried through his chores and then grabbed his trail camera. He walked along through the woods and set his camera on an old ATV trail that he and a neighbor had made a few years before.

After waiting four long days, Stout went out to check the camera. The film counter indicated "Full," so Stout brought it to a local Wal-Mart to get the film developed.

The photos showed a mature 10-pointer with a small sticker point off the G-2. Stout had shot plenty of smaller bucks, but he knew this one was something special.

When the hunting season started, Stout was at college, busy with his studies and wrestling tournaments. But he hit the woods the first chance he got. No sightings had been recorded, other than just one camera photo -- Stout guessed the buck had gone nocturnal.