My daughter turned 10 in March. She has been hunting with me since she was three or four, but the last couple season she has become a little bored. We talked about it and she said she doesn't want to go watch me shoot a deer. She said she was ready. So this summer we started going to the range. She has been shooting a 22 for about three years now and shot a 20 ga this dove season. She worked her way up to my wife's 243. She has become very good at 50 yds, holding shots inside 3 inches, with only the occasional flyer. So youth weekend finally came.

My feeder is set at 70 yds. so we know if there is a deer between us and the feeder she is good on range. Opening morning came, what a perfect morning. Except the feeder didn't throw. I investigated and found that the spinner plate was jammed. I cleared it and threw some corn. We went back that afternoon. At 6 we had a couple yearling does step out. She said "those are just babies, we can't shoot them". Already practicing good decision making. a couple minutes later a young buck walked out. He was a clean spike on one side and 3 points on teh other. I told her "there's your deer". he walked down to the feeder and she got set up. He was right at 60 yds, standing broadside. She was ready and the backed off. "I'm shaking too bad". He ate for about 5 minutes. SHe was really struggling to clam herself. The does ran off, and he followed. She was beating herself up, but I told her there was a good chance he would come back.

The does returned, this time with a mature shooter doe. I asked if she wanted to wait and se if the buck came back, and she said no I 'm shooting the doe. SHe just couldn't get the right shot, between other deer stepping in front, her turning, but she did the right thing and took her time. She was very patient waiting on the perfect shot. Then a bigger buck showed up. He was a five point. No brow tine, and tall. But not wide enough. I think he was at least 3 maybe 4 but he a no-go. Then I saw the little spike on the other side of the creek. He made his way in. SHe got settled, he turned, and she put a perfect shot on him. He was right at 60 yds. We tracked him into the brush, and the celebration began.

Great story! Congrats to both of you. We need to see pics.

Congrats. Can't wait for pics!

Great story.

And here she is.





Best hunting day of my life.

That's awesome congrats.

Give that girl a pat on the back for me!!

Congrats to the young lady for a great shot and congrats to dad for taking her hunting.

X2

Best hunting day of my life.

You said it this is one day that neither one of you will forget and Congrats out to your daughter for showing the maturity of a skilled and savy huntress.

GOOD JOB DAD

Wonderful job! Those are memories.

Thanks guys. We are still riding high here. She slept in her camo last night, well I guess it was more like she passed out.

In these two pics you can see the entry wound, right behind the shoulder. I'm just waiting for "now when do I get my own gun?"

Good story and great pics.

Congrats to your Daughter

Great story and excellent results. Congrats to you both and may this be the first of many hunts to come.

I can't imagine how proud you are but hope to have an understanding in a few short years

That is outstanding! Congrats.

Great job Dad. This will always be very special to both of you.VERY CUTE YOUNG LADY.

That is GREAT! You just made my day reading your story.
Congratulations to your daughter.

Congratulation and great story.

This is a story of growth and maturity. Congrats Dad & Mom for teaching her "The Right Stuff!"
Congrats to your daughter on her #1 First Harvest.

very nice

Congratulations!

Rock on! That is what it's all about!

Pretty rifle too.

Great job

Congrats to both of you!

I can't say enough how much I appretiate these stories of wonderful hunts and memories. Being away and not able to hunt really brings each story to life. I could imagine and see the hunt as you told the story. Thanks dad for the great narrative story of the hunt and congradulations to both of you. It really looks like the future of our precious TX hunting lands is in good hands, thanks to your teaching of good solid hunting ethics. Hope to see ya with another nice harvest.