Buck Fever: Rob Sand Submits Trophy Whitetail to Big Buck Contest

DES MOINES, IA – On Friday, candidate for governor Rob Sand submitted his 206-inch gross trophy whitetail to the archery non-typical section of the Big Buck Contest at the 2026 Iowa Deer Classic, the state’s premier three-day hunting convention celebrating Iowa’s storied whitetail tradition.

Rob’s buck made its journey  from its mount on the walls of the Auditor’s office — affectionately known as the “public sector Cabela’s” — to the Classic, where it was on display alongside other trophy whitetails from across the state.

The submission also coincided with the launch of the campaign’s new website, HuntingWithRob.com, where people can learn more about Rob’s hunting background, the story of harvesting his 206-inch buck, and how Rob will take his values as a hunter to the governor’s office. 

Read more about Rob’s hunting background and trophy whitetail below:

KCCI: Sand campaign courts hunters and anglers with new website and endorsement push

• As thousands of hunters gather in Des Moines this weekend for the Iowa Deer Classic, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand’s campaign is rolling out a new effort aimed at Iowa’s outdoor community.
• “I’m proud to have the support of hunters and anglers from every corner of Iowa. I learned growing up in Decorah that it’s not just about filling your tag or hitting your limit — it’s about respecting the land, looking out for one another, and protecting the Iowa way of life,” Sand said. “The values hunting has taught me are the same values I want to bring to the governor’s office. For the first time in Iowa history, hunters, sportsmen, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts alike will finally have an ally in the governor’s office.”
• “I’ve been a registered Republican since age 18 and an avid outdoorsman all my life. I truly believe Rob Sand is the best choice for Iowa in 2026,” said Brent Wykert. “Rob’s genuine, homegrown Iowa values make me believe he will be a true governor for all and will work to protect Iowa’s outdoors.”

Des Moines Register: Governor candidate Rob Sand enters buck into Iowa deer contest

• State auditor Rob Sand, a Democratic candidate for governor, isn’t shy about his love for hunting. He’s been doing it his whole life, but last year, he harvested a buck of a lifetime.
• The deer was impressive enough — 209 inches gross, a measurement of all the deer’s points, length and spread — that he decided to enter it in the 2026 Iowa Deer Expo’s Iowa’s Biggest Buck Contest.
• “The best part about tagging this buck here was my dad … was in town that night, so I was able to bring it over to him and to celebrate with him and tell him the story,” he said.