Maybe one of the Adirondacks' best kept secrets, the Salerno family, has been taking big bucks from the Adirondack Mountains since the late 1940's. Each Salerno has successfully taken a buck weighing more than 200 pounds and some as much as 232 pounds dressed!

Some of the Salerno hunting skills and tactics have been featured in the Northeast Big Buck Club and New York Game and Fish Magazine. The latter publication referred to them in the July 2005 issue as “New York State's First Family of Deer Hunting" – a title they modestly accept despite their incredible feats. When the Salernos are asked how they achieve such success, the answer is always the same, "It's the old fashion way, we earn them."

The hunting family consists of Pat Sr., Paul Sr., Pat Jr., Paul Jr., Tony, Randy, Tim and Dustin Salerno. In 2005, Pat Jr. connected with his largest buck, a 235 lb., 8-pointer. And on opening day of the 2005 season, Dustin (the youngest Salerno) took home his first 200 pounder – a nice 11-point, 201 lb. buck. Tim and Tony also took bucks, 205 lbs. and 229 lbs. respectively. Randy and Paul Jr. didn't miss out either, getting their bucks during the peak of the rut.

A few other facts among many in their long history...Tim has three bucks to his credit, weighing more than 200 lbs. – the largest, 220. In 1950, Pat Sr. shot his largest buck, a monster that tipped the scales at 232 pounds!

The consistent harvesting of large bucks has always been a tradition for this Adirondack family.

 
Dustin's 228 lb., 10 pointer