Finally I brought my photos in from the deer hunt. This is the photo and story of my son Zach who is 12 and on his first hunt. We sat together in the stand. We watched this doe for about a half hour work its way across a logged out clearing. I was able to talk Zach through this experience as I was sitting right next to him. The doe had no idea we were in the stand. Finally, it stepped out broadside at 40 yards from behind a pine clump. I told Zach to get it in his sights, take his gun off safe, and fire when ready. Seemed like an eternity, but Zach was patient, and as he shot, I was looking at the deer and saw the bullet hit true in the lung area. The deer jumped about ten yards and fell over. I can honestly say I had a tear in my eye with absolute pride and knowing we shared this together.

After about 20 minutes I asked him if he wanted to go see his deer. As we climbed down I told him to reload and go find his deer and make sure it was dead. He looked at me with kind of a fearful look. I said it’s your deer, you go check it out. As he walked over, he cautiously walked in and tapped it with his barrel. Then he turned to me and put his hands up like a ref signaling a touchdown. What a precious moment.

I give each of the boys one free pass on gutting deer. Mitchell shot his first last year and Zach his first this year. I gutted both. I can’t wait until next year to watch them embark on that adventure. That too will be priceless.

As you and I know, these outdoor adventures with the kids create incredible memories. Both boys shot their first grouse this year and now Zach with this nice doe. It was a great season. We all toasted Zach with root beer! He was the camp hero for a day.

I thought you might enjoy this as much as I did.

Troy