Jacob Rooney's buck had a final score of 184 0/8 typical inches. Photo courtesy of Jacob Rooney

When a world-class deer is killed, more people than just the hunter feel gratification. The thrill of success seemingly encompasses anyone who was involved with the proceedings of the deer's life, harvest and recovery. From summer sightings to winter shed antler hunts to assisting in the fall partaking in these events, this leads you to feel connected to a deer. For three long-time friends, this shared gratification came to a peak on opening day of Minnesota's second season on Nov. 13, 2004.

Hunting partners since grade school, Jacob Rooney, Kale Graham and Adam Dingmann spend much time together outdoors. Growing up in the small rural town of Belgrade, they have progressed into avid hunters in an area with potential for large bucks. But its full potential wasn't realized until recently.

"It was Feb. 1, 2004, when Adam and I ventured out for the first shed hunt of the year," recalled Kale. "Our expectations were low because a fresh 10 inches of snow blanketed the ground." After an hour, Kale noticed what looked like tines protruding from the snow. After more inspection, he was right. He called Adam over to show off the mid-50-inch 4-point antler. "We were both surprised to have found anything that day," said Kale.

The two looked for a while longer and then headed back toward the truck. Halfway back, Adam tripped on something under the snow. To their surprise, it was an antler. "Our jaws nearly hit the ground as I pulled up the antler and brushed the snow off," Adam said. It was the largest typical shed antler either one of them had ever laid eyes on! "All I could do was give Kale high-fives and say 'Booner!,' " recalled Adam, as in Boone-and-Crockett buck. After a quick search for the other side, they hurried back to the truck and then home to score the shed.

Scoring the left antler at a whopping 92 3/8 inches, the two headed off to show another friend and avid shed hunter, Cory VanBeck. They showed him the smaller 4-point shed. "Cory was amazed we had found anything with the fresh snowfall," said Kale. As Cory congratulated them, Adam pulled out the other shed from his truck. Cory about fell over.

"We named him 'Booner' after the initial scoring," said Adam, "and Cory thought the name was appropriate." From here the quest for Booner began. The other shed wouldn't be found with such fate as the first. It took six weeks and help from Cory to discover the right side of Booner.

Upon discovery of the other side, final estimates on what the deer could score were tallied. The right shed scored 87 7/8 inches, a fine antler on its own, but coupled with the left side and assuming a 20-inch spread, this truly world-class whitetail would score 200 2/8 inches as a typical!

"When Adam found the left side I knew the shape was familiar," said Kale. Its familiarity gave away more details about Booner. A local farmer, Pete Tintes, discovered a nice set of shed antlers two winters earlier while out cross-country skiing. "Adam, Cory and I went over to verify if it could be the same buck," said Kale. "Upon inspection, we knew it was the same buck," said Adam. "His frame was exactly the same!"