Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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The air is still, the forest hushed under a heavy dawn sky. In the heart of Illinois, Chase Reatherford settles into his tree stand, bow in hand, ready to outwait and outwit one of North America’s most elusive game animals: the whitetail deer. For Chase, this isn’t just a hunt—it’s a ritual. A return to the wild, a reset, and a lifelong pursuit shaped by instinct, patience, and respect.

Read the full story here: benchmade.com/blogs/beyond-the-bench/whitetail-bowhunting-illinois-chase-reatherford