My heart & my prayers go out to Adam Riehl and his
family. Sympathies aside, my western ethic elevates
the value of any "trophy" taken by a fair chase
hunt, especially a do it yourself pack-in hunt, to
another level.
All the bucks were earned, but Thomas Fitzpatrick &
his dad went the extra mile(s). That's hunting the
hard way. Reminds me of my dad & his teachings.
Most of my trophies are memories of such hunts.

WOW I love the public land buck that the Ludwig Brothers got! You got my Vote!!

I was Adam's fiancee and caregiver. I was the one lucky enough to be with him on this hunt and experience the accomplishment he had that day. It truly was the hunt of a lifetime for him. He passed away before finding out he had made it into the magazine, but I know he is smiling and is as proud as ever! Hunting was one of Adam's favorite things to do and something we shared in doing together. Thanks to all for your thoughts.

May God bless Adam Riehls family. Proud of that young man for having the courage and strenght for going out and taking this big buck through has difficult time. However, I know the young man in photo 10. He is a great kid and puts a lot of time in looking for his deer. Way to go Dakota, hope you win!!!!

I vote for #10! Deer on the run at 200 yards, first season, age 12 - AWESOME Shot!

Part of me doesn't want to justify "Cheaters'" comment with a response, but where do you get off making such allegations? What do you get out of attacking a kid? He won fair and sqaure within the rules set forth by OL. Besides, Adam's family ended up getting a gift cert, too, so where's the harm? You've gotta lighten up, man. Get a life.

To cheaters. That was my father that died of brain cancer at age 69 after being diagnosed only 3 months prior. It very inconsiderate that you would make those comments without knowing anything about this. Dakota is a remarkable hunter and a true sportsman. He spends more time in the outdoors than anyone I have ever meet. He is a remakeable shot. Shame on you. I hope that no one ever talks about a loved of yours like that. It doesn't make me feel very good.

god these deer are huge if i seen one just one that is as big as these im telling u id properly try to get up out my wheelchair chase it instead of shoot it lol good job to all

WOW! These certainly are deer of the year. It looks like Eugene, Jeff and Scott need a "Doublelung" t-shirt. I love those big muleys and Caitlyn's deer has really long tines. It's good to see the ladies and the young ones out there.

My condolences to Adam Riehl's family and friends.

Jon
www.doublelungapparel.com

#1 wins my vote for great buck and tremendous courage. I only hope to follow his example when my time comes to go through a trial like that. Speaks to the dedication of a true sportsman. Prayers to the family.

OUTDOOR LIFE,

I am in complete agreement with Mr. Mancl. I am very pleased to have made it into your magazine with my deer, but wish to have any votes for me to go Mr. Riehl. I lost a friend to cancer last week and my condolences go to Mr. Riehl's family.

James Hagman
Rose Hill KS

Wow Dakota that is awesome!!!! Whooo hoooo!

Hat's off to the folks at Outdoor Life and Cabela's for their gift to Adam's family and the recognition of the other candidates....class act all the way guys.....

I congratulate all of the hunters on great deer, but I agree with MazPower #1 gets my vote!

Amazing racks all around. The great success at such a young age for some of these hunters is surely a testimate to the time there parents spend with them in the field. The Black tail really caught my attention but the best story with the pictures is Adam Riehl. A true life story of someone who lived while he was dieing.

Awesome photos and nice to have the little blurbs about each picture

Eugene, James and the Ludwig brothers you are true sportsman to put Adam in front of you and help his family receive award.

way to go kelly you got my vote.i think its great girls get out there in the woods.nothing better than deer hunting in the woods. wide open plains are not as challenging as waiting for the deer to come close enough and have no brush in the way to shoot.way to go girls, keep showing the boys we can keep up. GIRL POWER!!!!

Congrats to the winner.

Yup you all got my vote. The young ones you get 1 1/2 votes from me! thanks for the photos

talk about some real monsters in this gallery, i know what was going through adam riehl's mind wether to get a shoulder or full body mount.

#1 was a great shot for a 12 year old to make a running shot but adam riehl was the real story hes a great man since he took an elk and huge mulie befor he passed away RIP ADAM RIEHL

thats to bad people have to be like that. i voted for the deer with the nicest rack and i can say the winner did not have the nicest rack.this competition was deer of the year not who can fake log ins. im thinking it wasnt the child but had to do with parents. a parent will do what they can to brag about children.its sad that they can feel good about themselves after doing that.girl in the woods was right on about open plains isnt a fair chase.wooded hunting is the challenge.again i say the winner wasnt the best.anybody that shot there deer in the woods are the real winners.