With temperatures in the ’70s during midday and a good draft of wind blowing in the wrong direction, the author (right) and outfitter Beau Carlson conjured a game plan to hunt against the wind. The reward was a monster typical 12-point with two non-typical points. He weighed 237 pounds on the hoof.

Minutes later, surprised and excited, I spotted him to my left side heading down the edge of the bean field practically right on top of where I dragged my scent line.

I prepared for the shot and only had one concern. He would cross directly downwind of my stand and the chance of him smelling me was a real possibility. I could only hope my scent line would help cover-up any human scent that might be blowing in his direction. I had pre-ranged distances earlier, but as he got closer to my 30-yard mark, I got buck fever and couldn't locate my reference. He seemed relaxed, but was veering out of bow range.

I grunted quietly and the buck paused briefly turning slightly back on his trail and continued directly along the dragline where I had exited the food plot. I had one more spot ranged at 40 yards and he was on track to hit it squarely. I drew my bow, settled my pin on the spot where he would cross and as he hit the grassy point, I triggered my release and almost instantly watched the buck burst into a flat-out sprint to the middle of the field. He stopped and turned directly toward me after making it a short 20 yards. Immediately I saw a crimson patch of blood flowing from his midsection. Within 20 seconds he was down and for the first time in my hunting career, I watched a buck drop, and only 40 yards from the hit site.

The 237-pound 12-point was by far my biggest buck to date and only the second whitetail I've ever taken. He's a bruiser with character I could only dream of and tines like swords. I was elated; what a hunt this had been. I experienced my first Midwest rut and despite hot temperatures and bad winds, I gambled and was rewarded.

Hunting against the wind might not be for everyone, but for me, the change of pace proved to be successful. We all know what works, but sometimes a different approach and a desire to keep hunting regardless of the conditions can pay surprising dividends. It just takes a bit of going against the grain.