The hunt for Ice Pops began in the Spring of 2024 when I gained access to a new spot. I watched him grow into a solid main frame eight that summer, along with his running buddy which was a more mature eight pointer. The older deer was taken by another hunter during early bow season and we both decided (unbeknownst to each other) that he needed one more season to show true potential. Fast forward to the summer of 2025.. my first pictures of Ice Pops were in June and I could tell right away that he was going to be special! July and August consisted of prepping the stand site, keeping it baited and watching him grow a spectacular nine point rack. It was during these hot summer months that my kids were eating a lot of ice pops and as I watched his tines grow long and straight, the name felt fitting. Opening week of the season I hunted twice but no dice. The second week, the wind came out of the South for six days straight and it was way too risky to go in. On Saturday September 28th, it finally switched and blew from the North again. My family and I were supposed to be in Virginia that day with a group from church but the trip was cancelled due to rain. This provided a perfect opportunity. I was in the saddle by 3 PM and Ice Pops was standing at twenty-five yards by 5:30 PM. As old bucks do, he sensed that something wasn’t right and turned to leave. I drew back, stopped him between two small trees and let it fly. It was an emotional roller coaster from there because I felt like the shot was a bit too far forward. After watching the video back, locating my arrow and consulting with some close friends, I decided to follow the blood trail while I had some light left. I had my hands on him in no time! My brother was hunting his target buck too but he climbed down and headed my way as soon as I told him I shot. He was there in time to get some great photos and help me drag Ice Pops out. It was a really special time and I’m so thankful he was there to share it with me. Every time I enter the woods, I’m blown away at the beauty of Gods creation. I feel incredibly blessed that He has given me the strength and ability to pursue these fascinating animals and it’s to Him that I give all Glory, Honor and Praise!!!
Hunter’s name: Isaac Niemitalo
SOPHIA North Carolina
Alamance County, NC
9/28/25
9-point buck
