Sept 6, 2025 - Jesse Staab update

Hey guys, Jesse Staab here with Whitetail Edge. I’m on my smallest farm in Illinois, and this year I’ve got a really big 8-pointer on the hit list. He’s at least 7 years old and has been mature since I bought the place three years ago. Up until now he’s never been a primary target, but this season he is — he’s one of the biggest bucks we’ve got around, and I’d love to get him out of here.

For an 8, he’s going to score well — mid to high 150s, maybe even touch 160 if we’re lucky. My plan is to slip in using the creek system for access. It keeps my approach clean, and with a northwest or southwest wind, my scent will push right down the creek.

I’ve got my Novix stand packed, a couple Stealth Cams ready to hang, and I’m going to make a giant scrape about the size of a truck hood. I’ll freshen it with Black Widow branch butter, drip a little on the ground, and even pour in some water since it hasn’t rained here in weeks. That fresh dirt and scent combo usually gets hit fast.

Excited to see what happens — hopefully I can get a crack at this old warrior.

– Jesse Staab