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Albia Buck History

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It's a very exciting time in Whitetail World considering the recent harvest of the "Albia Buck" - the possible #1 all Time Non-Typical taken by a hunter. Having been taken so close to home for many of us makes it that much more exciting. We thought it would great to reflect back on some history of this great buck . . . enjoy!

It all started in 2001 when a tremedous pair of sheds were found by a turkey hunter near Albia Iowa - thus the "Albia Buck" was born.

Here's an excert from Larry Zach's website.
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This story started when a southern Iowa turkey hunter discovered a matching set of whitetail sheds in the spring of 2001. A picture of the sheds later showed up on the website for Soap Creek Outfitters (www.soapcreekoutfitters.com). Larry was very impressed with the antlers in the photo so arrangements were made to see the actual sheds.

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Zach with 2000-2001 Shed Antlers
© Larry Zach

Though the sheds look huge in the photo they are even more impressive in person. The moment Larry saw them it was obvious they are in a class of their own with character that goes way beyond their B & C score. First they have incredible mass and carry it throughout the rack. Even the individual tines are heavier that the bases on most antlers. The mass is so great that it makes it difficult to appreciate the length of the main beams and points. The sheds also have great character with lots of ridges, hooks and non-typical points. With the exception of a 9 1/2" drop point on the left beam the antlers also have exceptional symmetry and overall eye appeal. Larry calls them "grinners" meaning every time he holds them he can't help but grin.

Both antlers had been chewed slightly by a rodents, most likely squirrel. At the 2002 Iowa Deer Classic the sheds were scored as a basic 8 point grossing over 163" and netting over 158", without spread which was probably well over 20"! The antlers have tremendous mass with five of the eight measurements 6" or greater. They also have 21 scorable, non-typical points totaling 86 2/8" which bring the final net score, without spread, to 245 7/8.


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The 2001 hunting season was a coming out party for the "Albia Buck" as he became very photogenic. During this time many photo's and video's were taken which of course led to magazine articles and video's.

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The 2001 hunting season came and went without a harvest but opportunity did present itself . . .
from Zachwildlifeart.com
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The following summer several people tried to get a closer look at the buck while in velvet. Not only were they able to locate and observe the buck, but they even captured it with trail cameras and on video with its 2001 rack. Initially many of us assumed the buck was quite old and possibly peaking to carry such a massive rack. The 2001 rack appears to be even larger than the previous year and body characteristics indicate it may be a relatively young buck.

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Summer 2001 in Velvet
© Ron Willmore
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September 2001 Hard Antler
© Ron Willmore

Several hunters started making plans to hunt the huge buck. On one occasion the buck was rattled into close range by a bow hunter but failed to present a clear shot. Rather than take a chance on a poor hit the bow hunter let it walk out of sight.

The buck was also seen during the December 2001 shotgun season. The buck was shot at and hit. Several people were following the blood trail that night but finally it gave out. As they continued to search for sign of the buck by flashlight they saw it get up and walk away into the night. Whether he is still alive or not is a matter of much speculation, but most would agree that it is one of the most impressive whitetail bucks ever discovered.


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Here's a link to Larry's website

Of course the by the end of the 2001 season the notoriety of the Albia Buck grew substancially and rumours were abundant.
Here's some proof the deer did recover during from his wounds in 2001 - photo taken during late season 2001-2002.
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The sheds were found but were kept under wraps for most of the year. Pictures of the 2001 sheds did finally surface in spring of 2003 (as did a fresh single shed).

During the 2002 season the buck was all but non existant in the media. Reports would surface from time to time with indications the deer died of natural causes or was involved in a vehicle crash.
During the 2002 season the buck reportedly had gone down hill - the deer may have also been involved in a freak accident that caused his right antler to become underdeveloped. I'm sure we will hear more about this accident as the story unfolds. Here's a photo of his shed from the 2002 season.

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This is the prequal to a great buck which will probably one of the most recognizable deer in our great sport.

To view some 2001 video footage of this great buck or learn more about purchasing one a limited edition Larry Zach prints of the Albia Buck - named Big Country Bucks - visit his website

Iowawhitetail staff
 
Thanks for the history lesson. Nice to see the whole thing in one article. Can't wait for the "rest of the story"
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Looks like the picture in the paper is a set of sheds. This is from The Register.
 

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I still can't get over how big those antlers are, even after seeing all the pictures.
 
We live out of state, and are trying to catch up on the Albia buck story. When and where was it shot this fall?
 
there are a couple posts here on the site that give you all the info there is on the Albia buck. it's been awhile since the other post has been refeshed though.
 
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We live out of state, and are trying to catch up on the Albia buck story. When and where was it shot this fall?

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Near Albia this fall...heh
 
Nice hawkeyefan!!
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drmikedrmarcia,

if i remember right it was shot near Albia on September 29th (right? maybe another day) but it was shot during the september youth season we have here in iowa.

hunt4life88
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