Starkville MS, October 12, 2025
News Summary
Joe Bumgardner, a hunter from Starkville, Mississippi, achieved a remarkable milestone by harvesting the elusive 175-inch buck known as ‘Houdini’ on an iconic hunting day. The 7-year-old buck was notorious for its nocturnal appearances, making it a challenging target for many hunters. Bumgardner’s blend of skill, persistence, and a bit of luck culminated in this impressive feat as he marks this hunt as one of the most significant experiences in his long bowhunting career.
Starkville – Joe Bumgardner, a hunter from Starkville, Mississippi, achieved a remarkable milestone by harvesting a rare 175-inch buck known as “Houdini” on Friday the 13th, a date often regarded as unlucky. Bumgardner’s success underscores the blend of skill, timing, and persistence that is crucial in the world of hunting.
The hunt took place on the opening day of the early archery season. Houdini, a 7-year-old buck, was notorious for his elusiveness, making nocturnal appearances only after shedding his velvet, which earned him his peculiar name. Many hunters had set their sights on this iconic deer, but Bumgardner was determined to bring him home.
Settling into a ground blind around 2 PM, Bumgardner had a view of a field filled with American jointvetch. During the afternoon, he observed various wildlife, including a mature doe and two fawns, eventually tallying 31 different deer feeding in the area. As the sun began to set, he spotted what he initially thought was a large mature buck around 7 PM, but the animal moved out of sight momentarily.
Around 15 minutes later, the buck reemerged at a distance of 50 yards, and Bumgardner confirmed it was indeed Houdini. This marked a critical moment in the hunt. Recently upgrading his Ravin R500 crossbow to a model that featured a lighter trigger, Bumgardner attempted to take the shot. However, he experienced difficulty squeezing the trigger, feeling it was heavier than expected. After multiple attempts, he finally managed to release the arrow.
Post-shot, Bumgardner marked the deer’s position, but initially, there was no evidence of a hit as he found neither the arrow nor any blood. However, further inspection revealed the back half of the arrow along with a significant blood trail. Bumgardner and his companions decided to pause their search until morning to ensure they could properly track the deer.
The next day, a tracking dog was brought in, and it indicated that Houdini was nearby. The buck was found less than 40 yards away from where he shot, with remnants of velvet still hanging from its impressive antlers.
This particular buck boasted extraordinary measurements, with a 19-inch inside spread, 24-inch main beams, 9-inch and 11-inch G2s, 10 6/8-inch and 11 3/8-inch G3s, and 6-inch bases. Its total gross green score was recorded at an impressive 175 3/8 inches.
Bumgardner expressed disbelief and joy regarding his trophy, especially considering the unique mount opportunity due to the velvet still attached to the antlers. Having been active in bowhunting since the 1980s, he declared this particular hunt as the most impressive deer harvesting experience of his career.
The story of Joe Bumgardner highlights not only the thrill of the hunt but also how luck, skill, timing, and persistence come together in hunting. This unique experience resonates with many hunters who share a similar passion for the outdoors and the challenges it presents.
FAQ
Who is Joe Bumgardner?
Joe Bumgardner is a hunter from Starkville, Mississippi, who recently harvested a 175-inch buck known as “Houdini” on Friday the 13th.
What is the significance of the date Friday the 13th for Joe Bumgardner’s hunt?
Friday the 13th is often considered an unlucky date, but Bumgardner successfully harvested the buck on that day, showcasing the blend of skill and luck in hunting.
How many deer did Bumgardner observe during his hunt?
Bumgardner observed a total of 31 different deer feeding throughout the afternoon of his hunt.
What were the antler measurements of the harvested buck, Houdini?
Houdini had an inside spread of 19 inches, main beams of 24 inches, G2s measuring 9 inches and 11 inches, G3s of 10 6/8 inches and 11 3/8 inches, and 6-inch bases.
What was the total gross green score of Houdini?
The total gross green score of the buck was recorded at 175 3/8 inches.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Inside Spread | 19 inches |
| Main Beams | 24 inches |
| G2 Lengths | 9 inches and 11 inches |
| G3 Lengths | 10 6/8 inches and 11 3/8 inches |
| Base Diameter | 6 inches |
| Total Gross Green Score | 175 3/8 inches |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- AOL: Mississippi Hunter Bags 175-Inch Buck
- Wikipedia: Deer Hunting
- Field & Stream: Best States to Hunt Deer
- Google Search: Deer Hunting
- Sun Herald: Unique Hunting Stories
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hunting
- Clarion Ledger: Biggest Archery Bucks in Mississippi
- Google News: Hunting Deer
Author: STAFF HERE STARKVILLE WRITER
The STARKVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREstarkville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Starkville, Oktibbeha County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Cotton District Arts Festival, Bulldog Bash, and Mississippi State University homecoming celebrations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Starkville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Mississippi State University Extension Service, plus leading businesses in education and agriculture that power the local economy such as Mississippi State University and Starkville Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Mississippi's dynamic landscape.
