By Stephen Knox

For a long time all I could do was dream about going to Canada to hunt whitetail deer, then I was blessed with the opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime hunt. There was much preparation to do. I had to locate a reputable firm which would steer me right. So I turned to a sporting goods store that I knew I could trust Marks Outdoors. I spoke to Mark personally, and asked which was the best firm with which to book a hunt. His reply was quick, Wes Hixon's Outdoors and Travel. Mark assured me Wes was a man who could be trusted but would not build my expectations too high for reality.

I contacted Wes' office and explained what type of hunt I wanted. Wes explained the many hunts that were available, so I asked which camp he would choose? His answer: "The best opportunity to take a 130-class deer would be with Richard and Ramona of Clark Lake Lodge in Saskatchewan." Wes provided the names and phone numbers of others who hunted this part of Canada. Every hunter I spoke with assured me that this was a first-class organization. I contacted Wes the next day and made all the necessary arrangements. His company handed everything, which includes the hotel and travel arrangements. The trip was planned for November 13-21 - peak rut time.

After arriving in Saskatoon, we were picked up the following morning by Richard Farago. This is when the " better-than-could-be-expected" treatment began. Later that day we arrived in camp and were taken to the rifle range to make sure our scopes were set true and to make any necessary adjustments. Afterwards we were treated to a meal fit for a king! This was to be a problem because I gained more than eight pound in four days! Richard reviewed the rules and regulations concerning game laws and hunter safety. His greatest concern was gun safety. That night sleep did not come easy. All I could think about was the reputation of Saskatchewan bucks.

We left camp at 6:30 a.m. and we were in our stands well before first light. All of Richards' stands were safe and comfortable, as well as heated, by an ingenious little methyl-hydrate heater. The guides will even carry your gun to your stand if you let them. As soon as it was light enough to see, I fully expected to start seeing deer, but to my surprise all I saw until 12:30 were two ravens. I decided then to eat the lunch Ramona had prepared. After finishing a sandwich and the last of my coffee, I cleaned up all of my paper and packed away my thermos. It was then that I noticed a movement about 100 yards in front of me. A large doe appeared in the clearing. I picked up my binoculars and began looking her over when something just beyond her caught my eye. As I lifted the glasses trying to see through the thicket, long, dark horns appeared! I almost dropped my binoculars trying to get my rifle! He stepped out of the cover, but then back into cover almost instantly. My heart was beating so hard I thought it might burst! The biggest buck I had ever seen was gone. I began to pray. I asked God if it be His Will to send him back, and to also help me make the shot if the deer did reappear. I had finished praying and while looking though my scope, my prayer was answered! Without even having to adjust my aim, the huge buck stepped into the crosshairs. One shot placed behind his shoulder from my 7 mm Magnum dropped the buck so suddenly he fell on his back legs, as if bedding down. I called my guide, Rodney, on the two-way radio to let him know I had a buck on the ground. His instructions were to make sure my gun was unloaded and to remain in my stand until he got there. I had no idea how big the buck was.

Shortly afterward, Rodney and another guide came in on a four-wheeler and rode directly to my deer. All of a sudden they started yelling and calling for me to come and see what I really had! As I started up the trail I was met by Rodney who was more than happy! He shook my hand and then hugged me like a bear As we got closer to the buck, I could not believe how blessed I was. The buck had 11 points, 10 inch tines, and would later score 160 2/8 B&C points! Rodney exclaimed, Preacher, I believe you knew who to ask for help." I certainly do and I know who to thank, too! So I say, Thank you, Lord!
For a great hunt, trust Wes Hixon, for eternal life and help when in need, trust Jesus.

Thanks also to Mark Whitlock for promoting such quality organizations .