9 year old Hampton Drye had already bagged a nice 8 point buck in full velvet on youth day of 2025. However, he was still after a bigger buck he had trail camera pictures of that he had nicknamed “stickers”. “Stickers” got his name from the unique sticker points he had on each G2 as well as a bonus sticker off his right eye guard. Due to the large acorn crop this fall, Hampton had not gotten many trail camera pictures of “Stickers” in recent weeks. However, Hampton was not going to give up on getting a chance at the prize buck. On the evening of October 24, Hampton headed to his favorite hunting spot on the farm (soggy bottom) with his dad and younger brother, Harrison (5 years old). As the shadows grew longer, the first deer of the evening made its’ way into the long slender milo field. The buck was a nice young 8 point but Hampton elected to pass the deer in hopes that Stickers or maybe another trophy buck would show. About 6:40 pm, a large deer appeared in the very back of the long milo plot about 300 yards out. As soon as the deer raised his head, Hampton and his hunting party knew instantly it was Stickers!! Hampton had to wait patiently as the deer closed the distance to just over 200 yards. Suddenly, stickers began heading out of the food plot and Hampton knew it was now or never. Stickers was quartering to Hamptons hunting blind slightly as Hamp took the shot with his trusty .308 AR10 rifle. Stickers dropped in his tracks! Hampton was so overcome with emotion after the shot that he broke down in tears! Stickers was even bigger and more impressive once we recovered him. Getting his hands around those heavy, palmated antlers were truly something special. An incredibly memorable moment Hampton, his little brother and father will never forget!
Hunter’s name: Heath Drye
Concord NC
Kershaw Co, SC
10/24/25
11-point buck
