Pennsylvania’s Record-Breaking Whitetail Deer Harvest Discovered Decades Later

Pennsylvania is one of the top states for whitetail deer hunting. The northeast state’s 1.5-million-deer population combined with rich hunting traditions makes for the ideal location to hunt these large deer. It consistently ranks among the top states for deer harvests, which help manage population numbers and limit environmental damage to local crops.

Pennsylvania’s hunting history is long and detailed, and in 2019 it added an intriguing record to its list when a long-lost set of antlers sparked considerable excitement. The incredible antlers came from a buck originally harvested in 1962, but they were rediscovered decades later when they were sold at a yard sale, eventually landing at an antique store. Despite being found many decades after the fact, they are now officially the largest antlers ever recorded in state history, scoring a 204 6/8. This amazing story proves that it’s never too late to claim a record when the antlers remain as proof of the hunt.

This slideshow covers Pennsylvania’s whitetail deer history, focusing on the magnificent story of the Kyress buck. We’ll detail methods of scoring, the impact of significant deer populations, and a variety of record-breaking deer. Check out the information in these slides, including one huge buck that weighed up to 500 pounds!

Pennsylvania’s Whitetail Deer Hunting Legacy

• Pennsylvania is a primary destination for whitetail deer hunting, due to its large population.
• Locals take hunting seriously, with opportunities to catch big game like black bear.
• The state’s deer season supports population control and forest conservation.

The State Animal and Its Impact

• White-tailed deer are the official state animal of Pennsylvania.
• They number about 1.5 million throughout the state, with about 30 deer per square mile.
• These deer cause an estimated $163 million annually in damage to crops and timber.

Scoring Whitetail Deer Antlers

• Hunters use systems like Boone & Crockett to score deer antlers by size.
• Antler size increases with the deer’s age, making mature bucks highly prized.
• Only a few dozen deer in over a century of records have antlers exceeding 200 inches.

The Legendary Kyress Buck

• Frederick Kyress shot a massive buck near his farm in 1962.
• The antlers from the harvest resurfaced in a Pennsylvania antique store several decades later.
• Boone & Crockett scored them at 204 6/8 in 2019, setting the state record.

Lost and Found: A Yard Sale Surprise

• During his lifetime, Kyress never weighed or officially submitted his catch.
• His antlers were sold at a yard sale and turned up years later.
• The find was recognized at the Boone and Crockett Club’s 31st Big Game Awards.

A Place Among the World’s Largest

• By antler score, the Kyress buck is in the top five whitetail deer worldwide.
• If submitted earlier, it likely would have held the world record for 20 years.
• The antlers are now featured at the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum.

World Record Whitetail Deer

• The heaviest reported whitetail deer, caught by John Arnett in 1977, was said to weigh 540 pounds.
• This figure is unverified and not officially recognized by record-keeping organizations.
• Before Arnett, the record was likely held by Carl Leander of Minnesota.

Whitetail Deer Size

• Whitetail deer typically weigh between 95 and 169 pounds.
• Bucks weighing over 200 pounds are considered extraordinarily rare.
• A combination of massive size and high antler scores results in legendary status.