BTR Golden Laurel Citation Winners
2020: The Brian Butcher Buck
By Josh Honeycutt
Going into the 2019 season, Brian Butcher had taken only three bucks in 13 years of bowhunting. News of his fourth spread far beyond his native Kansas. Few whitetails can compare with the one that wound up wearing his tag. “I’m still proud of the other deer I’ve taken, but this hunt will always b... READ MORE
2019: The Luke Brewster Buck
By Ed Waite
Luke Brewster might live in Bristow, Virginia, but the 30-year-old former marine returns to hunt whitetails in Illinois whenever he can take a break from his current job. The almost 10-hour drive is grueling, but worth every mile behind the wheel. “I am a deer hunter from the Land of Lincoln, living elsewher... READ MORE
2018: The Fort Campbell Buck
By Dale Weddle
When wildlife biologist Brad Wheat and Gene Zirkle, program manager for Fort Campbell Fish and Wildlife, heard that a monstrous buck had been hit and killed by a vehicle on post, they pretty much knew which deer it was from the description. It didn’t take long to confirm their suspicions. After all, few whit... READ MORE
2017: The Steve Davis Buck
By Ed Waite
Steve Davis doesn’t have a place of his own to bowhunt deer, so he must rely on the kindness of others. In 2016, he had permission to hunt a very small lot. Though the property had little to offer deer, Steve returned at every opportunity to sit in his stand with fingers crossed. He got lucky eventually, but... READ MORE
2016: The Doug Laird Doe
By Mike Handley
When Doug Laird of Russellville, Missouri, talks about the deer he shot in 2014, pronouns appear to jump the tracks. “A big buck came through at 9 a.m., about an hour before I normally leave the woods,” he says. “It had a small doe with it, and an 8-pointer was chasing her. The 8-pointer stopped ... READ MORE