Jonny Lang's Velvet Giant

Hard work can pay off in a big way, just as it did for Dawson, North Dakota bowhunter, Jonny Lang. This seasoned 19 year old had taken several bucks in the past, but it was the fall of 2009 that would hold a trophy that would be beyond anyone’s expectations.

During the summer scouting trips, Jonny spotted several bucks including a big 19-point non-typical. All 5 of the times seeing this big buck he was located in a different area making it difficult to pattern. As the season came near Jonny pick a heavy brush area where he felt he would have a good chance at seeing the buck.

After building a man-made natural blind, Jonny settled in with his Mission X3 bow with high hopes of getting a shot at the giant whitetail. As the evening rain slowly subsided, Jonny spotted the first buck of the day. He was a one antlered small buck that he had be seen before with the big 19-pointer. Jonny’s excitement grew because he figured if they were together before there is a good chance of being together again. After 30 minutes of watching this small buck he finally moved on.

As Jonny was about to glass the area again, he spotted the 19-point buck.

This big buck was coming down the trail 45 yards away. He was followed by another huge 5x5. This 5x5 had split away from the 19-pointer and his course would take him directly downwind of Jonny’s blind.

As the big 19-point buck closed the distance, Jonny was silently encouraging the big non-typical to hurry down the trail. He knew that if the 5x5 would get down wind, his chances would be gone. As the buck neared Jonny drew his bow. The big buck stopped and looked up, then looked at the big 5x5 buck about 15 yards behind Jonny. The 19-point buck again lowered his head and took a few steps. Suddenly, the 5x5 buck stomped, making the big non-typical stop in his tracks. This time Jonny settled his pin on the big buck’s chest. This movement alerted the 5x5 making him snort, but it was too late, the arrow had already found its mark. 

The giant velvet buck bolted away, stumbling as he went. the excited hunter watched him disappear around a brush patch and then heard a crash. Still unsure if the big buck was dead, Jonny called his dad who was at their farm nearby. In his excitement he was able to tell his dad that he hit the big boy and the direction the buck had traveled.

After waiting a bit, Jonny began to look for blood. On finding the first blood, he again tried calling his dad, but the only thing he heard was ‘he’s down over here’. Jonny’s dad and mom had found the buck.

The yells of joy and excitement were indescribable as this young hunter walked up to his trophy.

Jonny said,’ It was the greatest feeling ever, to get my hands on that velvet rack.’
                                   

 

This giant velvet buck green scored 194 1/8". He has 10 points on the left and 9 on the right. 

                                              A true ‘Once in a Lifetime Buck’.

 

                                             Congratulations Jonny!