I'll start,

I was 11 and it was the Ohio gun opener. I was so excited the night before that I couldn't sleep. It would be the first time that I got to go deer hunting with my gramps and all the guys I looked up to and carry a gun. Gramps showed up right on time and picked me up. We drove back the long and bumpy field road to the backside of my farm. We met the other guys where we always did and decided where everyone was going for the day. Since it was my first hunt I got first pick and of course I chose the best spot on the property, the Hog Back stand!

So gramps and I trudged all the way to the back of the farm and down to a bench just above the river. We sat down and eagerly awaited the warmth of the sun. Morning came and with it the first shots of the season. I was antsy to say the least. Gramps kept telling me to be patient and it would pay off. We sat all day without seeing so much as a white flag!

Evening was fast approaching and I was losing faith. Gramps was not detered and kept telling me that they would be moving through about dark. Sure enough about 15 minutes before shooting light 5 deer appeared from the hemlocks on our right side and moved up the draw and onto the bench we were sitting on. My gun was at the ready and before gramps could say shoot when your ready BOOOOM! The 870 hastings barreled Remington roared. All the deer left but one! I was the happiest little hunter in the whole state at that moment. All the guys in our hunting party came and congradulated me. It was then and there I knew I was going to be a hunter for the rest of my life.

It is 10 years and many deer later, and i will never forget the feeling of accomplishment and commeraderie i got that day!