With a beginning hunter and especially a young person, I think we need to use a different standard of self-control here. The standard needs to be that he got his deer safely without endangering anyone, that he did it legally, and that he exercised the patience and self-control to not scare the deer, blow the shot, etc.

I think our young hunter did all of those things, so be careful about criticizing. It could ruin hunting for him and that hurts all of us. He's got a reason to be grinning from ear to ear. This young man has just made a major step in learning to hunt. Let him be proud. ANY safely taken and legal deer for a young beginner is a cause to celebrate. It's much better to congratulate him for what he did right and gently encourage him to improve--say setting a goal of a forkhorn or better next year.

Again, congratulations to remingtonshooter1 on your deer. You might start thinking about next year and what your goals will be to be a better a hunter. What deer will you take and what will you pass on? You don't have to decide now, of course, but it's something to consider befpore next season. Also, what you need to do better your hunting abilities in the offseason? May many more deer fall to your gun.