"The Persistent Archer"
Written by Levi Sexton
Edited by Rod Hart (Alpine Productions -- Professional Writing & Editing)

Levi's buck is 30 1/2 inches wide and 20 inches tall.

After spotting this buck on the last weekend of rifle elk season, I was finally able to harvest him during the northern Utah extended archery hunt. From the first day I saw him, I returned to the mountain nearly every day, and all together spent at least 45 days in my pursuit.

I got within 100 yards of the buck on several different occasions, but something always seemed to go wrong. My quarry was usually surrounded by smaller bucks that prevented me from getting within bow range. Three days before I found success, I had him broadside at 20 yards, when I accidentally touched off my release as I was drawing. I thought for sure that would be the last time I saw the buck, but when I returned to the area two days later, he was still there. That time I stalked him until dark, but just couldn’t get a shot.

The following morning, my cousin and I hiked up to where I’d last seen the buck. After about 20 minutes of glassing, we were just about to leave for another spot, when my cousin whispered for me to get down. When I turned to look in the direction he was pointing, there was that familiar mule deer coming down the hill about 70 yards from us. Everything was going great and I was just about to draw, when the buck suddenly turned and disappeared into a thicket of oak brush.

While my cousin stayed back to keep on eye on the brush, I quickly sneaked over to where the deer had disappeared. Once on the tracks, I followed them only about 40 yards before I saw the buck standing just 60 feet away. It was difficult to believe the opportunity before me, but nevertheless, I took my time and made the shot count.

My Utah archery buck measures 30 1/2 inches wide and 20 inches tall. He broke off his G3 during the rut, but is still a great trophy. My persistence had finally paid off, but I would never have succeeded without an understanding wife who allowed me so much time afield. Thanks also to my cousin for all of his great help.