[jad2t]

I finally put away the kayak and the fishing rods to take hunting seriously this year. After lots of small game hunting to get used to being in the woods and develop some marksmanship, I was ready for a big game kill. I spotted this buck probably 150 yards away and just waited patiently for a shot I felt comfortable with. I didn't want to take a long shot, it had to be perfect or I was going to pass. From the time I spotted him, about 20 minutes later he was about 40 yards away and direct broadside. Perfect shot placement, the heart is 90% intact and will be grilled to perfection. He didn't run very far at all so he didn't feel much, exactly how we hope it will be.

I knelt down and thanked God for the animal and promised to use it properly. Rifle used was a 30-06 and I did save the shell as a keepsake. Also got the antlers to hang somewhere and front legs to make a rifle rack.

My dad has taught me a lot in life and when I was a kid he taught me how to fish and took pictures of me with my first fish. When I said I wanted to start hunting he was more than willing to teach me and let me borrow his guns to hunt with. Now at 33 years old he has a picture with me with my first deer. It's far from a trophy but in my mind it is since it's my first one. He had 5 points on him. Last night is a night I will never forget.