This was their first deer hunt and I wanted it to be that hunt that hooked them! So I took them to one of my best spots on private ground with a box blind over looking marsh/ thick brush... I figured we would at least see some fawns or possibly a doe or young buck.
The kids were great! They both listened about being quiet and moving slowly and quietly to the stand. Once in, we each took a window and to my amazement they sat patiently waiting for over a hour without seeing an animal. Then right 430 a deer popped into the middle cut... I knew instantly it was either a small buck or doe by the body size. I was hesitant to burn my buck tag but figured I would in this situation if it was indeed a buck.... I let them both take a peek at the deer down the cut and then slowly eased the gun up. I took a look at the head gear and didn't see any antlers in the scope... I told them to get ready by covering their ears and BANG! The deer flopped right there in its tracks...
My kids were both super excited to the point that they wanted to jump out of the blind to go take a look! I got them both to the ground and with daylight fading we made our way over... to my suprise it was an antlerless buck! It looked like he had busted both tines off at the bases... The kids watched me drag to the field edge and then we had a hunters prayer next to the deer. Thankful for the day and opportunity! Then each kid held a light while I quickly dressed the animal... after loading up the deer we were back at the Thanksgiving Day party by 545 with deer in tow and the two chatter boxes telling anyone that would listed the story of Russell the antlerless buck!
Surely a hunt we will never forget!!!!
Happy Thanksgiving!
