9 year old son’s first deer

[Deputy819]

Just gotta love those "first timer" stories. Thanks for sharing and Congrats!!

 

[rgvt4]

As good as it gets. Cool stuf

 

[slv hunter]

Took my 9 yr old deer hunting - first time he has been behind the rifle rather than just tagging along as I shot ducks, does, hogs, etc. He has done well at the range and has been safe so he earned the right to take his turn.

He was shooting MOA or so at 100 and nailing gongs center mass at 300 this summer...we went out yesterday to practice (unfortunately he lives in a different state so frequent practice isn't really an option other than the summer) and he was fine at 100 off bags. Took him a dozen shots or so to get comfortable with just using a rail as a rest to simulate a tree stand or box blind but he was putting things in a three inch circle 9 out of 10 times.

First sit yesterday afternoon started out great but his little energetic body and 9 year old attention span made it tough to sit for 3 hrs with no deer in sight. We were sitting on a small food plot where the longest shot would be 50 yds but would take some contortion if a deer walked out in one half of the plot.

This morning we sat for an hour or so in a better spot - bigger plot so more to look at and the only contortion needed was to kneel down so the gun could rest on the rail of the stand...but after that hour seeing nothing he was getting bored again. He then nudged me and we saw two yearlings in the plot. Tried to figure out if we should shoot. I hate to shoot young deer but for a first deer I was trying to decide if it was ok. I was going to get him into position so if we decided to shoot he was ready. The best thing that happened was that they busted us and the momma that we couldn't see in the woods near the plot blew at us so the decision was made for us.

That helped him understand what it is like when deer are on you - how little movement can be detected, how they can show up when you least expect it, etc. I thought we missed our oppty bc I figured anything within the zip code would not come by before we reached his patience limit, but not 10 minutes later he saw movement where those deer left the field.

I looked and saw a head move in the shoulder high grass but was trying to figure out if it was those same deer just milling around where they couldn't be shot. Then I saw antlers and knew we had a chance at different deer. I could tell it was a management buck that had one decent side. He disappeared in the tall grass but Hank saw some deer walking on the edge of the field. Soon two yearlings and a doe walked out with the buck about 2-3 minutes behind them, all at about 75 yards.

He had the routine down this time and quickly got into position. He did a great job of only moving when they were looking elsewhere. He said he was steady and we had looked at plenty of pictures and talked about shot placement and the fact that if he didn't feel comfortable with anything it is ok, and even encouraged, to not force a shot. So when he said he was able to hold steady I figured he had earned the right to see what he could do.

He fired and the deer, who was on the edge of the food plot, toppled over and kind of staggered down, trying to get up but couldn't. I told him he got it, but the **** thing got up. He stood there where he got up and was standing broadside...I took the rifle and decided to put one in him to make sure. I fired and he ran off into the woods. We quickly lost sight so I wanted to give him 30 minutes so as not to bump him, especially since we were about 100 yards from the property line. We both wanted to get down and look but he was good about waiting and understood why.

Not much blood but easy to see where he was as the dirt was torn up from his somersault...we found spots of blood as we walked his path but not a ton. He looked up and saw the deer but we followed the blood as if we had to track him to let him learn a bit. The blood really flowed after about 30 yards and was on the side of trees, so I think his cavity just had to fill up first as it wasn't a low shot - about perfect but maybe a touch high.

Wasn't an easy drag due to terrain and only one good antler, and the fact that it was warming up a good bit, but not a big deal. He wasn't crazy about watching me gut it or holding the leg back to help expose the belly but he did fine. He was not thrilled about blood in the face but took it in stride and was a good sport.

So without adding more chapters to this novel, here are the pics...I am one proud poppa tonight.


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[slv hunter]

Thanks for taking your son out hunting, it's great to hear stories like your sons. Good job

 

[mobenzowner]

Nice first deer, Good looking boy, and you sir have my compliments on teaching him so well. Great job to you BOTH!

 

[Buckfever34]

Well done!

 

[MOBE]

Man that's awesome. It's an amazing feeling seeing that smile... ranks right up there being a dad

 

[Nitromike]

Gre

Took my 9 yr old deer hunting - first time he has been behind the rifle rather than just tagging along as I shot ducks, does, hogs, etc. He has done well at the range and has been safe so he earned the right to take his turn.

He was shooting MOA or so at 100 and nailing gongs center mass at 300 this summer...we went out yesterday to practice (unfortunately he lives in a different state so frequent practice isn't really an option other than the summer) and he was fine at 100 off bags. Took him a dozen shots or so to get comfortable with just using a rail as a rest to simulate a tree stand or box blind but he was putting things in a three inch circle 9 out of 10 times.

First sit yesterday afternoon started out great but his little energetic body and 9 year old attention span made it tough to sit for 3 hrs with no deer in sight. We were sitting on a small food plot where the longest shot would be 50 yds but would take some contortion if a deer walked out in one half of the plot.

This morning we sat for an hour or so in a better spot - bigger plot so more to look at and the only contortion needed was to kneel down so the gun could rest on the rail of the stand...but after that hour seeing nothing he was getting bored again. He then nudged me and we saw two yearlings in the plot. Tried to figure out if we should shoot. I hate to shoot young deer but for a first deer I was trying to decide if it was ok. I was going to get him into position so if we decided to shoot he was ready. The best thing that happened was that they busted us and the momma that we couldn't see in the woods near the plot blew at us so the decision was made for us.

That helped him understand what it is like when deer are on you - how little movement can be detected, how they can show up when you least expect it, etc. I thought we missed our oppty bc I figured anything within the zip code would not come by before we reached his patience limit, but not 10 minutes later he saw movement where those deer left the field.

I looked and saw a head move in the shoulder high grass but was trying to figure out if it was those same deer just milling around where they couldn't be shot. Then I saw antlers and knew we had a chance at different deer. I could tell it was a management buck that had one decent side. He disappeared in the tall grass but Hank saw some deer walking on the edge of the field. Soon two yearlings and a doe walked out with the buck about 2-3 minutes behind them, all at about 75 yards.

He had the routine down this time and quickly got into position. He did a great job of only moving when they were looking elsewhere. He said he was steady and we had looked at plenty of pictures and talked about shot placement and the fact that if he didn't feel comfortable with anything it is ok, and even encouraged, to not force a shot. So when he said he was able to hold steady I figured he had earned the right to see what he could do.

He fired and the deer, who was on the edge of the food plot, toppled over and kind of staggered down, trying to get up but couldn't. I told him he got it, but the **** thing got up. He stood there where he got up and was standing broadside...I took the rifle and decided to put one in him to make sure. I fired and he ran off into the woods. We quickly lost sight so I wanted to give him 30 minutes so as not to bump him, especially since we were about 100 yards from the property line. We both wanted to get down and look but he was good about waiting and understood why.

Not much blood but easy to see where he was as the dirt was torn up from his somersault...we found spots of blood as we walked his path but not a ton. He looked up and saw the deer but we followed the blood as if we had to track him to let him learn a bit. The blood really flowed after about 30 yards and was on the side of trees, so I think his cavity just had to fill up first as it wasn't a low shot - about perfect but maybe a touch high.

Wasn't an easy drag due to terrain and only one good antler, and the fact that it was warming up a good bit, but not a big deal. He wasn't crazy about watching me gut it or holding the leg back to help expose the belly but he did fine. He was not thrilled about blood in the face but took it in stride and was a good sport.

So without adding more chapters to this novel, here are the pics...I am one proud poppa tonight.


View attachment 114453 View attachment 114454 View attachment 114455 View attachment 114456

great Job kid that's a nice deer for your kill! And good job Dad for instructing a good shot!

 

[WildRose]

I was able to get his cousin on his first deer...been a very good season with my tags, nephew, and son. I feel very fortunate and blessed.

Good man. Last year with Mario's kids I got to share a similar pleasure and haven't shot a thing so far this year, just spent my time essentially scouting for them hoping his schedule will clear up enough that they can come back up before the season is over.

A huge, and very different kind of satisfaction in putting your efforts into their success vs our own.

 

[Dpmj]

Thank you for the pictures and the great story. Tell that young man congrats for me. Nice buck

 

[Archerfish]

I managed to take my first deer at age 11. My dad was so proud that he must have told every person he knew. I am about to turn 64 and I still remember it like it was yesterday. Congratulations to the both of you for creating a life-long memory. I'm sure the venison will taste extra good.

 

[FIGJAM]

Side note for anyone starting a kid out shooting...my son has been shooting a bow longer than a rifle - since maybe age 6. Anyway, he has had a tough time closing one eye and keeping one eye open for aiming.

He has used a trusty pirate patch over his off eye.


View attachment 114509

Congrats! Nothing better than helping your boy get his first deer. I went through the same thing with my 11 year old this fall.

My son was having a hard time closing his left eye and I found out he was left eye dominant (but right handed) I went through the same thing - I am left handed and right eye dominant. I just had my son start shooting left handed, it was easier for him to close his right eye and it worked out fine.

If you haven't tested that it might be a fun experiment

 

[The Oregonian]

Congrats! Nothing better than helping your boy get his first deer. I went through the same thing with my 11 year old this fall.

My son was having a hard time closing his left eye and I found out he was left eye dominant (but right handed) I went through the same thing - I am left handed and right eye dominant. I just had my son start shooting left handed, it was easier for him to close his right eye and it worked out fine.

If you haven't tested that it might be a fun experiment

I can fully aappreciate that as I am RH but left eye dominant. So we have tested that once every six months for the last few years...he is definitely RH and right eye dominant.

My father started me shooting left handed and I should thank him every day for it.