Explore the story, science, and legacy behind the greatest typical whitetail ever scored.
Why This Deer Matters
When you talk trophies, few names shine as brightly as the World Record Typical Whitetail Deer with a 213‑5/8‑point typical whitetail harvested in Saskatchewan. Not just a record-setter, it exemplifies peak antler development, genetics, nutrition, and habitat. This buck embodied the pinnacle of North American deer populations—and holds lessons for hunters and biologists alike.
The Record‑Breaking Moment on November 23, 1992
On a crisp November morning near Biggar, Saskatchewan, grain farmer and part-time hunter Milo N. Hanson encountered the buck of a lifetime on his own land. After regrouping with friends and waking to freshly fallen snow, the group cornered the massive buck in a willow thicket. An initial shot missed, but later that day Hanson recovered the animal—securing a world record for typical whitetail deer—and the legacy was born.
Anatomy of a 213‑Point Rack: What Makes It Exceptional
The antlers tallied an astonishing 213‑5/8 Boone & Crockett points, a measurement rarely seen on typical racks. Contributing factors included:
- Long, symmetrical main beams with excellent mass.
- Dense palmation on the palms near the bases.
- Highly developed tines, each clean and proportional.
- Near-perfect symmetry, adding to the aesthetic and scoring value.
In Boone & Crockett’s scoring system, these elements combined for an edge few trophies can rival, with the world record of typical whitetail deer setting the standard.
The Hunter Behind the Deer: Milo N. Hanson
Rather than a trophy‑chasing specialist, Hanson was a farmer who hunted opportunistically. He’d seen signs—for weeks—of a giant buck using a consistent willow bedding area. On November 23, 1992, his local knowledge and patience paid off. The buck maintained this world‑record status for over three decades, continually reinforcing the prestige of the world record typical whitetail deer.
Scoring Mechanics: How Boone & Crockett Judges Typical Racks
Understanding how a rack scores 213 points offers insight into what makes it exceptional: including whitetail typical features and mechanics of world record scoring.
| Scoring Element | Typical Whitetail Importance |
|---|---|
| Main Beam Length | Foundation of overall score |
| Beam Circumference | Indicates mass and maturity |
| Palmation | Rare in whitetails—big bonus |
| Point Length | 4‑5+” tines increase score |
| Symmetry | Penalizes asymmetry |
Boone & Crockett follows a rigorous process established in 1950—a method still used today, an integral part of understanding why the world record typical whitetail deer remains unmatched.
Conservation: What Record Deer Reveal About Wildlife Management
Big deer aren’t just trophies—they’re living proof of habitat quality, genetics, nutrition, and ethical hunting pressure. Boone & Crockett’s database now contains over 60,000 entries, dating back to the 1920s. These records help wildlife managers assess trends, adjust antler‑restrictions, and refine habitat programs, highlighting the importance of maintaining the world record standard for typical whitetail deer.
Records Comparison: World Record Typical Whitetail Deer Then vs. Now
- Previous record: The legendary James Jordan Buck scored 206‑1/8 in 1914 in Wisconsin
- Current record: Hanson’s 213‑5/8 in 1992 remains unbeaten.
- Coues’ Whitetail typical record: 144‑1/8, by Ed Stockwell in 1955 in Arizona
- Non-typical whitetail record: Missouri Monarch, 333‑7/8 in 1981
Global Tips for Hunters Targeting Trophy Whitetails
- Scanner survey: Use aerial imagery (e.g., drones) to find bedding and feeding areas.
- Age structure: Typical heavy racks best seen in 5½–8½-year-old bucks.
- Nutrition matters: Prioritize habitat with high-protein food—native forbs, mast crops.
- Minimal disturbance: Set trails to avoid pushing bucks off critical areas.
- Catch snow events: Early season snow helps track movement before freeze-up.
- Scout biological traits: Observe symmetry, tine layout, mass ahead of time.
- Measure ethically: Learn Boone & Crockett field judging to assess studs correctly, ensuring fair pursuit of the world record typical whitetail deer.
The Legacy Lives On
The 213‑5/8‑point typical whitetail remains one of North America’s most iconic trophies—a testament to genetics, habitat, and careful hunting. Studying its story helps both hunters and wildlife managers understand what’s required to produce—and preserve—top-tier deer. Whether chasing trophies or safeguarding ecosystems, this buck’s legacy influences conservation and hunting strategies to this day, continuing the narrative of the world record typical whitetail deer.