Kansas Whitetail Redemption: Nicole Reeve Tags Out After a Late-Season Grind

Late-season Kansas can be a brutal sandbox, and this trip was no exception. On our third trek back to the state for what Nicole called one of the toughest seasons of her career, she found herself battling a vicious weather flip. Temperatures plummeted from a balmy 70 degrees down to a frigid 30, packed with relentless 40-to-50 mph winds. Standing watch in a frozen tree stand for hours takes a heavy physical toll, but giving up wasn't an option.

Our game plan rested on a target buck caught on our Stealth Cam—a magnificent, heavy-framed big 10-pointer. Days blurred into long, patient hours of watching smaller bucks spar and waiting for the right deer to step out.

On December 29th, with the season rapidly bleeding out, the script finally flipped.

The big 10 stepped into the open. Battling frozen fingers and a soaring heart rate, Nicole drew back her Mathews bow and executed a flawless shot. After a short track through the brush, the grind officially ended with her hands wrapped around a mature Kansas giant—marking the first time she’s tagged out in the Sunflower State.

When the elements throw their worst at you, staying in the game is the only way to win.

Stay Driven,

Pat & Nicole Reeve