Ohio Bowhunter Harvests Record-Breaking 266-Inch Whitetail Buck in Indiana

Narrative by Cameron Coble | Published: October 9, 2026

Ohio native Stephen “Chuck” Crowell, 35, transformed a casual rumor into an unforgettable trophy hunt, capturing a massive non-typical whitetail buck in Indiana that could soon rank among the state’s largest archery-taken deer. The buck, measuring an impressive 266 3/8 inches Boone and Crockett gross score, represents the culmination of months of dedication and strategic planning. Crowell, a project manager and part-time fishing guide, spent the better part of a year tracking the elusive animal before finally laying eyes on it in December of the previous year.

Following the Trail of a Legend

Crowell’s pursuit began in late November when a trail camera photo surfaced among colleagues, showing a lone tree alongside a giant buck. “I only had one reference point to go off of—a single tree in the photo,” Crowell recalls. “That was enough to know I had to find this buck.” Driven by his passion for hunting, he spent countless hours in December combing Eastern Indiana’s agricultural landscapes until he spotted the deer in a picked cornfield one evening. From that moment, the buck became an obsession.

Strategic Stand Placement and Patient Stalking

Securing permission on a 100-acre farm with dense wooded draws and soybean fields, Crowell positioned himself strategically. Despite summer camera efforts yielding no sightings—“this buck was avoiding my cameras,” he jokes—the hunter discovered the animal in a brushy draw on September 21. “He bounded away but stopped at 100 yards, giving me a clear look at his rack,” Crowell says. When bow season opened October 1st, he returned to the area, aided by optimal conditions—including a red moon, which he credits for past success.

The Moment of Truth

After hours of navigating poison ivy-infested terrain to hang his stand, Crowell waited patiently. At 7 p.m., the giant buck appeared. “He looked incredible,” Crowell notes. The deer’s deliberate approach took 30 minutes to close 30 yards. “I kept telling myself not to look at the rack,” he says. At 51 yards, Crowell released an arrow, dropping the buck in its tracks. “It just got bigger and bigger as I walked up,” he reflects.

A Potential State Record

Indiana Hoosier Record Book director Tony Wright officially measured the buck at 266 3/8” gross and 251 4/8” net under the mandatory 60-day drying period. If confirmed, it will dethrone Rex Milspaugh’s 259 2/8” non-typical record set in 2020. “This buck’s frame is enormous,” Wright comments. “It’s a testament to Indiana’s world-class whitetail genetics.” The score positions Crowell’s harvest as the state’s second-largest archery non-typical, pending official certification.

Key Details About the Harvest

Lessons from a Lifetime Achievement

Crowell’s journey underscores the blend of patience, persistence, and local knowledge required for trophy hunting. “It wasn’t luck—it was preparation meeting opportunity,” he reflects. The buck’s avoidance of trail cameras highlights the unpredictability of mature trophy animals. For aspiring hunters, his advice is simple: “Study the land, respect the deer, and never give up.”

“This buck’s frame is enormous. It’s a testament to Indiana’s world-class whitetail genetics.”
—Tony Wright, Boone & Crockett Measurer

The Broader Impact of Trophy Hunting

Beyond personal achievement, Crowell’s harvest contributes to conservation narratives. Trophy hunting generates revenue supporting wildlife management, with fees from tags and equipment purchases funding habitat preservation. Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources emphasizes sustainable practices, ensuring future generations can pursue similar trophies. As Crowell’s buck nears potential record status, it reinforces the importance of ethical hunting traditions and responsible land stewardship.

Looking Ahead: Legacy and Inspiration

Following the 60-day drying period, Crowell plans to mount the buck in his Ohio home, a reminder of perseverance and skill. Meanwhile, anticipation grows as officials prepare for the official scoring. For Hunting Network TV, he’s already sharing insights, inspiring others to embrace hunting’s challenges. “This buck isn’t just a trophy—it’s a story of passion and purpose,” Crowell says.

p, h1, h2, h3 { color: #000000; } | Categories: News, Hunting, Animals, People, Indiana, Ohio, Sports, Boone and Crockett Club, Wildlife Management, Trophy Deer, Archery Hunting, Non-Typical Bucks