The “Real Kirt Darner Story”

This entry was posted by on Thursday, 11 October, 2007 at

Darner buck

I have, for several years now, heard rumors flying around about Kirt Darner – whom, as a Mule Deer Fanatic, I idolized because of his accomplishments and knowledge.  I recently came acrossed an article written by Rich Lorrocco, a friend, which tells the “rest of the story”.  I believe that Rich does not necessarily want to defame Darner.  There may be, and probably are trophies that Darner has taken legitimately.  Additionally, Darner certainly seems to know the “how to’s” of trophy mule deer hunting.

Here is the link to Rich’s article:  http://www.hunts.net/darner.html
Check out his site while you’re there.

8 Responses to “The “Real Kirt Darner Story””

  1. Cody

    Where Did you shoot this monster?

  2. I believe it was reportedly killed in New Mexico

  3. Rick Turlington

    I’ve had the good fortune to hunt with Kirt and Paula three or four times.Spending time with them on a ranch outside of Norwood was a great pleasure.Without going into detail,Paula gave me good insight into Kirt’s situation.I’ve seen the pictures and heard the stories.Nobody i’m aware of ever spent any time walking in his boots.Hold your judgement,you don’t have the right

  4. Jeremiah Johnson

    He’s a poacher and a liar, as far as im concerned hes the scum of the earth. i got his book when i was a little kid at a garage sale and i cant tell you how many times i read that thing. And then come to find out some of the deer he posed on the back with he didnt even shoot. one was shot in 1942 for god sakes. He might know how to hunt mule deer in the back country where nobody else goes, but he’s lost all my respect. And ill judge all i want

  5. Terry Hattaway

    I have hunted with Kirt on 8-10 times. Not 1 time did Kirt ever say or do anything illegal!I guided for Kirt and Paula as well, trust me. You better not do anything illegal, Kirt condoned this within his guides and himself. I saw pictures of huge deer that started all of this craziness. The deer was in his pickup and you could read the date on the truck plates. I’ve stay in their home, shared hunting camp with Paula’s parents. You guys out there that believe this stuff don’t know either of them. Kirt and I shared hunting story’s for years. If, he was lying about one of deer I would have heard a lie first. Remember, don’t judge people! Leave than to God!

  6. Todd Harkness

    Come on take a deep look at all the whitetail freaks and turkey hunters, it all comes down to getting it on film and there Bs hunting shows, they are pro hunters, come on over and hunt the Washington coast without someone holding your hand . There all caned hunts were they feed and draw theses deer in , they all have lost ther the true meaning of a real woodsmen.very sad thing , no respect for the game animals and making in a rich mans sport! You now can buy your trophy whitetail or bull elk when you want him. Let’s see them take a monster blacktail on his home turf and those so called pro hand held hunters would be sucking hind tit

  7. Gus burton

    To all haters and jealous folks,
    Kirt has been cleared of all charges, that’s right, free to go! Say what you want, the man knows how to hunt and how to find giant bucks. If you ever get a chance to be in the back country with him then you will see that for yourself. Until then shut the up!:)

  8. J.T. Hansen

    Just for the record, innocent of charges means totally nothing to the fortunate few of us who were involved in the investigating, reviewing etc. the photographs, articles and detailed information and breaking the truth prior to handing the evidence over to proper authorities. I was there with Rich and a select few others as we scanned over everything, made the comparisons, and know the truth. Yes I know and have associated with Kirt and Paula in years past a few times. Unfortunately he never spoke to me last time our paths crossed, however Paula did. I would have to agree with you Gus, Kirt knew how to hunt, and hunt hard. He knew what it takes to harvest record book animals of the caliber he has. Yes many of them were legitimate kills, but not all of them. We proved that already, and if any of you would have been there alongside you would too. So, don`t be so swift in pouring a 55 gallon barrel of innocence on Kirt. I like and always have liked the Darners as persons and friends, but at least the truth was exposed eventually, and maybe he himself knew that one day it could happen. I also know that it was extremely difficult for Rich to be thrown into the middle of the predicament of what happened, after helping Kirt gain his fame by assisting with the writing, editing and printing of the original Giant Bucks book. None of us saw that one coming when the evidence, photographs, and other details that unfolded arrived at our office. You coulda knocked Rick over with a feather that day. I have to hand it to him the way everything was handled with professionalism. He and Kirt were good friends before all this came forward. Though he never knew any of the stuff was somewhat “shady” when helping Kirt, I know it hurt, and he lost many a nights sleep over all of it. OK, enough of my blabbering, but….if you all think you know it all and profess that you do, especially in many of the above comments…YOU DON`T….you were not there, we were!


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