Connor Merritt

After two years of dedication and persistence, 16-year-old Emma Claire Starkey of Eudora, Mississippi, bagged a massive 156 1/2 class trophy buck — a hunt that she’ll never forget.  

“On Oct. 22, 2024, I killed the biggest deer that I may ever kill in my life,” Starkey said to the Mississippi Clarion Ledger. “It was one of the best days of my life. I thank Jesus for this day and experience constantly.” 

Spotting the Trophy Buck 

The story began in the summer of 2023, when Emma and her father, Adam Starkey, spotted two colossal bucks on their trail camera. One buck vanished, but the other — a nocturnal giant they named “Kicker” — would become the object of their determined efforts.  

With “Kicker” appearing almost exclusively at night, hunting the elusive buck turned into an intricate dance that required plenty of patience. Emma said, “This deer was ginormous,” but despite their best efforts, “Kicker” proved hard to pin down. 

Surprising News at the Homecoming Dance 

After a long time without sightings, the Starkeys thought he might have moved on or another hunter had already gotten to him, but Emma’s father surprised her with news of Kicker’s return through a message she received while at her homecoming dance.  

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Emma said, “I couldn’t believe it.” The father and daughter duo resumed their quest, though the buck continued to keep to his difficult nighttime schedule. 

Taking Down the Trophy Buck 

Finally, luck shifted on October 22. Though she was exhausted, Emma joined her father in the stand one more time — and there he was.  

Half asleep, her dad’s tap startled her. Emma said, “I looked out to see giant horns facing my way.”

Holding her breath and steadying her nerves, Emma Claire made the shot, leading to an emotional victory. 

With a score of 156 1/2, “Kicker” exceeded all expectations. Adam Starkey summed up the moment as he watched his daughter, now clutching the massive rack: “She was happy.” 

Read the full story on the Clarion Ledger.

Read more deer hunting stories on iSportsmanUSA.

Photos courtesy of Jordan and Emma Claire Starkey.