BIG TENNESSEE WHITETAIL BUCKS | 15.5 FULL EPISODE
As the sun began to rise over the rolling hills of Tennessee, Justin Moore was ready for an adventure on his family farm. With deer hunting season wide open in the Volunteer State, he was determined to track down some big whitetail bucks that had been frequenting his trail cameras. “Welcome to the backwoods!” he exclaimed, excitement bubbling as he prepared for a day of hunting. The crisp morning air hinted at the changing seasons, a perfect day for a hunt.
The weather had cooled off, and a storm was brewing in the distance, but that didn’t deter Justin. He had a plan to sneak into his stand without spooking any deer, using hay bales for cover as he made his way to his spot. “It’s pretty easy to get in here without spooking any deer,” he thought, feeling confident about the setup. Every step was calculated, a testament to his experience in the field.
Settling into his blind, Justin scanned the area, hoping to catch a glimpse of the big bucks he had been after all season. “I’ve seen a couple of good deer on camera, including a tall one and a wide one,” he said, anticipation mounting as he waited for the right moment. He meticulously checked his surroundings, a seasoned hunter employing the best hunting techniques. But as the minutes ticked by, he only spotted two small bucks he recognized from previous encounters. “Come on guys, where’s the big one?”
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Frustration began to set in as the small bucks turned and walked away. “I hate to say it, but I sure would like to have that rifle right now,” he muttered, realizing that his muzzleloader might not be enough for the shot he wanted. But patience is key in hunting, and Justin knew that waiting could pay off. He reminded himself that sometimes the best hunts are those that test your resolve.
Just when it seemed like the morning would be a bust, movement caught his eye. A doe appeared at the edge of the field, and Justin quickly turned the camera to capture the moment. But then, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted one of the bucks he had been after all season. “There he is!” he whispered excitedly as the buck stepped into view. The adrenaline surged, a familiar feeling for any hunter.
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With his heart racing, Justin took aim. “I hope I hit him good,” he thought as he released the shot. The buck jumped and took off into the woods. “Thank you, Lord! Thank you for letting me see him!” Justin exclaimed, hoping that this time he had made a good shot. He knew the importance of a clean ethical shot.
After searching for signs of blood and tracking where the deer had gone, Justin was left with uncertainty. “Nothing was there,” he said, feeling a mix of disappointment and hope. But he wasn’t ready to give up just yet; after all, hunting is often about persistence. He understood that sometimes, even with the best tracking methods, a deer could disappear without a trace.
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Later in the season, Justin took his nephew Cade out on a hunting trip. Cade had shot his first buck last season with Justin’s help, and now he was eager for another chance. “Hey, get your gun up!” Justin urged as they spotted movement in the field. “Let him get clear of the beans.” This was a moment to pass on invaluable knowledge.
Cade steadied himself and took aim. “You shot right in front of him!” Justin called out, guiding him through the process. But Cade didn’t let nerves get the best of him; he focused and squeezed the trigger. “Oh my gosh! What happened on that first shot?” Justin asked excitedly as they realized Cade had made a great shot on a seven-point buck. The joy on Cade’s face was priceless.
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“I can’t believe I actually hit him!” Cade shouted with joy as they approached the fallen deer. “This is my biggest buck!” The pride in Cade’s voice filled Justin with happiness as they celebrated this milestone together. It was a memory they would both cherish for a lifetime, a true testament to the spirit of hunting.
As they admired Cade’s trophy, Justin couldn’t help but reflect on how special it was to pass on hunting traditions to his nephew. “You made a heck of a shot; I’m proud of you buddy!” Justin said, giving Cade a congratulatory hug. These moments of mentorship are what truly define the hunting experience.
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But Justin’s own journey with that elusive buck wasn’t over yet. A month later, he found himself back in the same stand with his rifle in hand. After spotting movement again, he took aim at what looked like the same deer from before. “Wow man, he looked like he was stumbling,” Justin thought as he watched the buck disappear into the woods. He hoped this time would be different.
“I hope I hit him good,” he whispered, recalling how he had missed this deer during muzzleloader season. As he searched for signs of blood, hope surged within him when he spotted something in the distance—there lay the buck, belly up and finally at rest. The feeling of redemption was immense.
“How many times do you get a second chance on a great deer like that?” Justin marveled as he approached his prize. The story of this buck had come full circle, and it was a testament to persistence and patience in hunting. This was more than just a hunt; it was a narrative of dedication and respect for nature.
With a heart full of gratitude for this incredible experience and memories made with family, Justin knew that this adventure would stay with him forever. Join Justin Moore and his family on their thrilling journey through Tennessee’s hunting season:






