The 2012 Big game season might go down in the record books for the number of big trophy size deer being shot in our area.
Main frame 8 points used to be the bucks of memories and 10 points or more used to be the stuff of legends. Thanks to the generosity of some of our readers, I would like to share with you some awesome photos and stories many of us might never have seen.
Thirty-seven-year old Justin Jacques has been hunting deer off and on for most of his adult life. With the demands of every day living and bringing up a family, Justin also had to portion his time to fit in hunting. Thanks to the prompting of his youngsters, 7-year-old daughter Siera and 9-year-old son Tyler, Justin decided to go out again in 2012. Justin had received a tip that a big buck was seen going into a Sheridan vineyard Sunday. On Monday afternoon, Justin, accompanied by his father-in-law David Corsi, put on a two-man drive searching the grape rows for their prize. A big bruiser took off and started to make it's way under the grapes as Justin raced for the last row that ended before a stand of hard woods. The monster popped out 20 yards in front of the hunter who missed the first shot, but collected himself for a deadly second attempt, and a "make-sure" third shot.
Article Photos
Submitted Photo
Justin Jacques displays a monster 14-point buck taken Monday evening.
Jacques was not in any deer contests and had never shot a trophy buck before, but knew he had something special. The buck, which he estimates weighed around 180 pounds, was in full rut with the head, neck and shoulders all bulked up "like a body builder caricature." The 14 point is a typical rack with a drop tine that gross scored 204 4/8 and a green score of 174/2/8. Bob Turk is the official score person in our area for Boone and Crocket and the New York Big Buck Club. Jacques' deer will make both record books. Brian Nudy from West Wind Taxidermy will be doing the mount. Watch for Sunday's column for even more photos and stories.
This non-typical nice November weather might slow down the deer hunting, but there is some fantastic perch fishing going on off Cattaraugus Creek, west of the mouth in 70 feet of water. Try it while the weather is still nice. Happy Thanksgiving! Hunt or fish safely. Call 366-1772. 366-3000 ext. 5 after five for stories or photos.
Calendar:
The SAREP Youth Fly Fishing Program will begins its 14th season of free fly tying and fly fishing classes on Monday evenings from 7-8:30 p.m., at the Fredonia Middle School Cafeteria. Field trips will occur shortly afterwards. Classes are free and are open to children and community members. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. The classes will continue to meet every Monday until early summer.
The Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club also will host free fly tying instruction compliments of Willie Fedrick, Jeffrey Rasmus, Ken Hollander and Monte Kennedy on Monday evenings starting at 6 p.m. All are welcome.
The Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club will resume its annual Hunters Helping the Hungry program. On Tuesdays, Con Club members are urged to bring a non-perishable food item with them. All donations will be distributed to the needy in the community through the efforts of the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Youth Organization during the Christmas season.
Fly tying classes have resumed on Monday evenings from 6-8 p.m., at the Sinclairville Free Library. Classes will continue until May. All tools and materials are provided free. For more information, call 962-3635 or 485-3919 or log on www.countrykidsonthefly.blogspot.com.
Gene Pauszek is an OBSERVER outdoors columnist. Send comments to sports@observertoday.com.
