I grew up in 80's pretty spoiled as far as hunting is concerned. My dad was friends with a man that owned 100K acres in Duval County west of Freer. Every year we'd leave Christmas day after lunch and would stay for 7-10 days. I waited all year for Christmas, and that trip was a big part of it.

That ranch is also where I met my good friend, Buddy Roberts (God rest his soul). Buddy was a guide out there, and became one of my dad's best friends. He was a unique individual and a helluva a guy. I didn't take that many animals in that time, but have many fond memerories.

Out of all those fond, wonderful memories, one stood out recently when I stopped in Muy Grande’s in Freer a couple of weekends ago. On the tables in his store, he has old pictures under glass. After seeing a few that I knew, I came across a picture that I hadn’t seen in 20+ years. It was of my dad holding a beautiful 12 pt. with a great big smile on his face. What this pictures doesn’t show, is there is probably a 14 year old boy standing off to the side crying and cursing his lousy, no good, lowdown, scoundrel of a father.

This story starts out early that afternoon. It was Christmas day. We got away early that day because dinner was ready at 11:00 AM. Me and dad were already packed, so we scarfed down some turkey and what not, kissed everybody on the cheek, and flew out the door in a trail of dust.

We arrived at the ranch about 3:00 and Buddy is already ready to go. We hop back in the Suburban and decide to make a round. As we pull out Buddy say’s to my dad “Charlie, I have two bucks that I’m seeing like clockwork at the same blind. A big 12 point for you and a big 10 point for your boy. I figured we can sit there in the morning, or let your pride and joy, awesome son hunt him.” My dad follows with “HeII, I’ll let the boy hunt him.” I was excited. Overjoyed. Ecstatic.

Buddy then says, “You know, let’s go ahead and drive by there and I’ll show Brett where he’s been coming out.” So we pull up to the sendero, and wouldn’t you know it, there is a deer just grazing out in a flat spot to the right with his head down about 150 yards away. He never lifts his head as Buddy watches him for a minute. Finally he says “That’s that really nice 10 point”. I was looking at him, and he was a really nice 10 point….as far as I could tell. I decided that I wanted him and told them as much, so that was gonna be my deer.

My dad was sitting in the front passenger seat, and I was in the back seat behind him (mind you, hunting from a vehicle is legal in Texas for you out of towners), so he chambers a round in his .257 Wetherby and passes it to me outside of the window.

Now the deer really doesn’t appear to be going anywhere, so I take my time. I’m adjusting myself, didn’t like my rest, so I grab a jacket and roll it up to put under the rifle, and adjust some more. Finally, I get settled. I click it off safety, take a deep breath….and the deer lifts his head up. Immediately Buddy says, “Charlie, that’s your deer!” My dad reaches out the window and rips the gun from my hands, aims, and fires. All happens in the blink of an eye. I’m still sitting there in my shooting position with my hands still holding an imaginary gun. My jaw was probably wide open.

I don’t really remember the conversation immediately following, only the moment. But it was referred to a lot over the years, and usually followed by a “you owe me”.

My dad isn’t a scoundrel. He’s a helluva a guy. And he never owed me anything, but he treated me like he did. And it’s because of him that I have a place to hunt today. And it’s because of him that his grandkids will hopefully have a place to go someday. And we were both rewarded a couple of weekends ago when my little girl took her first deer.

I love you, Dad.
Brett

Heck of a buck your dad got. Great story & congrats to your lil girl!

That is awesome!

Awesome.

Congrats to all of you. Great story.

Great story enjoy your time with him!

My wife is kin to Buddy. Her dad also hunted down there on probably the same place. Small world. Had some great times with Buddy before and even after his accident. He was a character for sure.

And congrats to your daughter!

Very cool memories with your Dad! Thanks for sharing!

Did you get the Big 10?

Great hunting memories to share for ever man, congrats!!!

Great story, thanks for sharing.

Congrats, and a meaningful write up

Very cool story (although i realize not for you at the time)! Congrats to all of you, especially your little girl!! Were you ever able to get a shot on the 10pt.?

I never did. I honestly don't remember if I even hunted that blind for him. After seeing the big twelve hit the ground, that spot probably became worthless to me in my eyes, lol.

I just don't recall events after that day. Everything's just kinda fuzzy after that....

We ended up getting the place we have now with Buddy and his brother Dickie back in '02. I got to spend a lot of good times with him. He passed out there on the ranch on Christmas Day after about a year and a half battle from his accident. I miss that dude.

Great write up, and congrats!

Great read! Congrats to the lil one!

Great story!...thanks for sharing

Great read! Love stories like this. Congrats to your daughter!

Great story. Good to see your Dad is still among us. Congratulations to your Daughter too.

Great story, congrats to all of yall.

Great story and congrats.

Haha cools story man. I was wondering why someone would right a negative story on here but it turned out well! I'm going to look for that picture this weekend when I am down there. You from South Padre?

I lived there from 98-04. I started using this screen name during that time. That's where the "SPI" comes from.

Thanks for sharing. Great story and pics. You are blessed.