Well guys we had a great trip. We arrived at camp friday morning and were greeted by our host and made to feel right at home. After taking a few minutes to inpack we went over the rules of the property. This was a management hunt for both of us. Does and spike bucks only. After the rules we had to show our hosts that we knew how to shoot. Tanner started busting cans up with a .22 and I shot both bows from 20 yards. When our host was confident in our abilities he took me out to show me a couple of different stands. I decided where I would hunt and we headed back to camp.
Tanner would be guided by our host. He had never killed a deer and would be hunting with a .222 provided by our host. We all headed out at about 3:30. I got to my stand and quikly got set up and started waiting. At about 4:30 a spike came in to the set up. I am tagged out on bucks so I wasn't shooting. I drew the recurve twice as practice. He caught movement at the second draw and tried to figure out what I was. The Enigma camo I was wearing worked great. The small buck started ducking and weaving with his head keeping an eye on me. After a few minutes he went back to feeding. I guess he decided whatever I was , I was not a threat. At about 4:50 I heard a shot from the direction of Tanner's stand. I said a quick prayer that it was a good hit and a clean kill. I got down after dark after not having another shot opportunity despite seeing a couple of does. When I got back to camp the biggest smile spread across my face. There was Tanner sitting in the back of the truck with a big ol doe. That was one happy young man. He told me about his hunt and how he made a good broadside hit. the doe didn't go far and this young man is hooked. He has been shooting an old Pearson longbow I gave him. He asked if I could help him find a compound so his next deer could be with archery gear. So the search is on.
I went out the next morning in extremely windy, cold conditions. Because of the gusty winds I took the Diamond and left the recurve at camp. Shortly after dawn a small doe came in to the plot. She offered a broadside shot at 20 yds. I drew and let fly and down she went. I'm not too happy about the shot. I spined her. That was a first for me. I rapidly nocked another arrow and put another in her so she wouldn't suffer. The second shot dispatched her quickly.
I wish I could have been in the blind with Tanner for his first, but I'm plenty happy that I could just be any part of it.
Our host is a member of the church I attend. He was everything one could hope for in a guide for a young man, patient, calm, and instructive. He really helped us have a great weekend.
Here is Tanner with his first.
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Great weekend, nephews 1st deer!
Congrats Greg and Tanner.
