From unbelievable bucks to shocking wildlife crime stories — and even a few practical, can’t-miss hunting tips — 2025 was a year that had deer hunters talking. Our readers flocked to the stories that sparked debate, raised eyebrows, and delivered real-world knowledge from the whitetail woods. As the year comes to a close, we’re looking back at the articles that captured the most attention, stirred the strongest reactions, and kept hunters clicking for more.
Here are the top stories on our site in 2025, counting down from the viral controversies and headline-making cases to the helpful how-to pieces you returned to again and again. Let’s take a look at the moments — and the deer — that defined the year.
1. 2 Wisconsin Bucks Look Strikingly Similar
An incredible buck with headgear exceeding 312 total inches was on display in March at the Open Season Deer and Turkey Expo in Wisconsin Dells. The buck mount was displayed in a room full of trophies measured by the Wisconsin Buck & Bear Club. Signage next to the mount indicated the rack grossed 312-1/8 inches and netted 306-4/8. It also indicated the buck had been taken during a muzzleloader season.
When placed side-by-side with an image of an alleged pen-raised Wisconsin buck, the two deer looked suspiciously similar.
2. Woman Pleads Guilty to Role in Poaching More Than 100 Deer
A 37-year-old woman entered a guilty plea for her hand in killing more than 100 deer in Wisconsin. The woman, along with three teenagers, were charged with poaching in three counties. The foursome committed many disturbing acts, including hitting deer with their car and recording videos of animals suffering.
3. Hunter Provided Location for Giant 49-Pointer
A follow-up to “2 Wisconsin Bucks Look Strikingly Similar,” this article describes where the alleged hunter claimed he shot a 49-point buck.
In addition to signing the WBBC entry form indicating it was a fair-chase kill, the hunter also had two individuals corroborate his story by either signing papers or appearing at the deer expo in person.
4. 4 Best Venison Marinades
Whether you’re cooking up backstraps from a recent hunt or pulling a roast from the freezer, the right marinade can turn a good venison meal into a great one. Marinades don’t just add flavor — they help tenderize tougher cuts, balance rich game taste, and bring out the best in your hard-earned meat. In this Butcher Shop feature, longtime contributors and readers share four tried-and-true marinades that have become favorites in their kitchens. From bold red-wine blends to savory soy-based mixes, these recipes are simple, reliable, and perfect for your next venison dinner.
5. The First 50 Yards of Blood Trailing Difference-Making Tips
Tracking a wounded deer can be one of the most challenging — and revealing — parts of the hunt. While some blood trails stretch on for hours, veteran bowhunter John Trout Jr. has learned that the most important clues are often found almost immediately. In fact, the first 50 yards after the shot can tell you more about the wound, the deer’s condition, and your next move than the rest of the trail combined. In this story, Trout breaks down the subtle signs, blood patterns, and deer reactions that help hunters make smarter tracking decisions — and ultimately recover more deer.
