Let me start off by saying that I have been a trophy hunter my whole life and I have been fortunate enough to kill several large deer, but in my 22 years of deer hunting none of these experiences can even compare to the excitement and emotion involved in my 12 year old daughters first buck. My daughter said that she wanted to try to harvest her first deer with a muzzle loader so I was happy to bring her along with me for the hunt. The hunt started off by her shooting her muzzle loader for the first time. After her first shot she did not expect the kick and was a real trooper holding back the tears. After I gave her a few pointers she was ready to go. The first couple of days she passed up several smaller bucks, I was quite suprised thinking that she would shoot any buck. On the third day she had the opportunity to be by my side along with one of my good friends as we made a incredible stalk where my buddy was able to harvest a 176" buck. On the fourth evening we were back on the mountain when we spotted a group of 4 smaller bucks. We made a great stalk through the dry grass to close the gap to 140 yards. I set up the shooting sticks, gave her a few words of encouragement and the rest is history. I can help but to reflect on her excitement, and her big smile tells the whole story. The older I get I cant help but to think that hunting is about memories and the experience not always about the harvest. Being on the mountain, at deer camp, and surrounding yourself with family and good friends is what it is all about.
Happy Hunting
Happy Hunting
