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SUMNER COUNTY, Tenn. — When Stephen Tucker went out to hunt during the muzzleloader season in November 2016, he had no idea just how epic it would be. The Tennessee man ended up shooting a 47-point, non-typical whitetail buck that is now poised to become the new world record.

According to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Tucker shot the deer on November 7. The buck’s jaw-dropping rack was quickly brought to agency officials for measuring. Using Boone and Crockett methodology, TWRA Captain Dale Grandstaff determined the buck had a “green” score of 313 2/8 inches. Grandstaff then made point deductions that he felt were required by Boone and Crockett rules, resulting in a net score of 308 3/8 inches.

The current world record is a buck harvested in Iowa that scored 307 5/8 inches, but Tucker still wasn’t guaranteed that his deer would become the new record holder because the rack had to undergo the mandatory 60-day drying period. If it shrank much during that time, there was a chance his buck would fall short and Tucker would have to settle for a Tennessee state record.

On Jan. 9, Tucker brought the 47-point rack back to the TWRA offices for follow-up scoring by Boone and Crockett officials. Now dried and ready for a conclusive measurement, the antlers were given an incredible score of 312 3/8.

“I have truly been blessed and I am very thankful,” Tucker told Fox News. “I have had a lot of phones calls and questions and have tried to be patient waiting through the process. I am very appreciative to my family, friends, and the TWRA, especially Capt. Dale Grandstaff, who has led me through the process. I believe he has been as excited about it as I have.”

Although the second score is on the books for Tucker’s buck, he still won’t officially hold the record until 2019. At that time, a panel of Boone and Crockett officials will conduct final measurements at the organization’s awards banquet.

Assuming the antlers are given a similar score at that time, Tucker will finally hold the title of world champion.

![Grant Olsen](http://img.ksl.com/slc/2560/256091/25609108\.jpg?filter=ksl/65x65) About the Author: Grant Olsen \----------------------------- Grant Olsen joined the KSL.com contributor team in 2012. He covers outdoor adventures, travel, product reviews and other interesting things. He is also the author of the book “Rhino Trouble.” You can contact him at grantorrin@gmail.com.

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