Pope and Young, America’s leading bowhunting conservation organization, announced nine new world records at its 34th Biennial Convention, held April 9–12 in Glendale, Arizona. The Pope and Young Convention has always featured an incredible trophy display—the largest collection of archery-taken animals in North America—and with nine new world records added, the showcase reached new heights. With over 200 trophies on display, including the nine newly recognized world records, the 34th Big Game Awards event was the largest in the Club’s history.

“It’s truly remarkable that, in today’s modern world, nine extraordinary animals taken with a bow and arrow have become the largest ever recorded in their class,” said Roy Grace, Pope and Young Records Chairman. “I applaud the ongoing efforts of outdoorsmen, along with organizations dedicated to proper conservation practices and the intelligent game management strategies employed by state and provincial game and fish departments across North America. This is a true success story that reflects their continued achievements.”

The new world records announced at the convention were:

• Tule Elk: Scott Holmrich shot this incredible bull in Mendocino County, CA, on 9/2/2024. It scored an impressive 355 0/8”.
• Roosevelt’s Elk – Velvet: Topping the charts at 324 2/8”, this bull was taken by Chris Krampe in Humboldt County, CA, on 8/4/2023.
• American Elk – Velvet: Jon Argyle arrowed this record-breaking bull in Bingham County, ID, on 8/1/2023, scoring 348 4/8”.
• Blacktail Deer – Velvet: Surpassing both the velvet and hard-horned world records, this Jackson County, OR, blacktail was taken by Michael Jahnke on 8/6/2023 and scored 177 2/8”.
• Whitetail Deer – Velvet: Scoring 182 4/8”, this buck, shot by Jack McNaughton in Smokey River, AB, on 8/31/2013, is the new world record.
• Non-Typical Whitetail Deer – Velvet: Dallas Heinrichs set a new world record with his non-typical velvet whitetail, taken in Hillmond, SK, on 9/3/2012. The deer scored an incredible 271 0/8”.
• Canada Moose – Velvet: Shot in Atkin Lake, BC, on 8/23/2017, Frederick Sweisthal’s bull scored 181 0/8”, breaking the world record.
• Alaska/Yukon Moose – Velvet: Daniel Welker harvested a massive bull scoring 198 0/8” on 8/24/2024 in Watson Lake, YT.
• Barren Ground Caribou – Velvet: Rick Valdez took an exceptional caribou in 1995 along the Mulchatna River in Alaska. It scored an unbelievable 439 3/8”.

“It was an incredible effort by staff, Bass Pro, and hundreds of trophy owners to bring together another record-breaking display of archery-taken trophies for our 34th Big Game Awards,” said Tim Rozewski, Pope and Young Director of Records. “The 202 trophies on display showcased this biennial recording period, including 15 youth award recipients, 32 trophies ranking in the top five all-time, and these nine newly accepted world records. The big game display and awards event were, once again, the highlight of our convention. I am proud to be a part of it!”

About Pope and Young:

The Pope and Young Club is North America's leading voice in support of bowhunting and related conservation initiatives. If you're a fair chase, ethical bowhunter who cares about preserving, protecting, and promoting the culture and future of bowhunting, then you belong in the Pope and Young Club. Join today at www.pope-young.org.