Georgia Deer Hunter Accepts Last-Minute Hunt Club Invite, Shoots Massive 200-Inch Buck
A deer hunter from Claxon, Georgia, Lindell Richey, shot the biggest buck of his life during a last-minute hunt at a private hunting club earlier this month. Richey, a dog owner and experienced hunter in his late fifties, agreed to join a few friends on November 7.
Although initially hesitant about going, Richey was convinced by his brother-in-law, Scott Glen. Richey’s recollection of the location is vague, only remembering that it was somewhere in Greene County.
On the day of the hunt, William Pettie, one of Richey’s buddies, dropped him off at a ladder stand and wished him luck. Richey knew there was a large buck on the property, but had no specific details. However, when the buck appeared at a distance of 50 yards during the third week of Georgia’s gun season, Richey recognized it as a worthy target.
With his gun trained on the buck, Richey confirmed that it was indeed the impressive deer they had talked about. The buck approached him and eventually turned broadside at 40 yards. Glen and Pettie heard the shot and suspected Richey had taken down a substantial buck, as he had no intention of shooting a doe or young buck. When they playfully texted Richey about stealing their buck, he responded with a jest.
Lindell informed them that the buck had run away, but in reality, it only traveled a short distance of 25 to 30 yards. The buck’s approximate measurements are between 200 and 204 inches, including 46 inches of abnormal tines. As per the GON database, the largest buck ever recorded in Greene County scored 164 5/8, making Richey’s deer a potential new county record.
According to Boone and Crockett records, the state record for a nontypical buck in Georgia is 249 5/8 inches from Telfair County, harvested by Brian Ross in 1998. Greene County, located east of Atlanta along Interstate 20, has no records in the Boone and Crockett record book for typical or nontypical whitetails.
A skilled hunter, dedicated conservationist, and advocate for ethical practices. Respected in the hunting community, he balances human activity with environmental preservation.