To all the hunting/fishing buddies out their! Dad, Grandfathers, Old Ladies, Brothers, Friends, Family! No Greater Appreciation!

[bowtech-boy]

So it was 2 weeks ago that I was fortunate to arrow my first archery whitetail with my bow. I've taken several with a rifle, but as anyone knows who has taken a deer with their bow it is probably one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences of a hunter's life. Let alone being my very first big-game animal with my bow. I wasn't long till I got my hunting license as soon as I was of age. After an unsuccessful rifle season, but great memories my dad decided I was responsible enough to have my own stick and string. It was that 11th Christmas in which my dad bought me my very first bow, a Pearson Pathfinder I wasn't strong enough to pull legal draw weight to hunt, but I practiced shooting nightly down the road at an archery coach of mine Greg Armstrong to get ready for my first Mother Of All Shoots a year later when I wanted to get into serious shooting. Months I practiced, my dad always been gone to work so it was always my mom who drove me. As it closed in to 2 weeks before the mother, my dad was able to take me and watch me for the first time practice on a Monday, seeing the great progress I had made I could see the dignified look he had after working so hard for something I wanted. That friday, my family was struck with great despair. He suddenly was taken from our lives through a tragedy of a heart attack. I continued to pertain to my archery and competed in the mother of all shoots where i came in 3rd after a year in archery.

Now almost 5 years since picking up a bow I was able to arrow my first deer, and a fine white-tail buck at that. I know without the mentor ship from a father figure I missed out on alot of opportunities but I took what he had taught me years before as a man and not only applied it to hunting but life. I arrowed my first buck on the 15th of September 2011 with my Diamond Razor Edge. My buddies Alain & Chadd and I drew straws for the spots with me getting the longest I picked the primest funnel in which I knew a monster buck or massive bull elk would walk through as they always have. I immediately started walking to the stand, sure to not waste any time. I ascended the stand at about 6:00 as I was settling in I spooked a 6x6 out of the field of oats that stood 10 yards away from the bottom of the tree. I set my bow in the bars of the stand. i eyed my friends at the opposite side of the field approaching their stands. not even 20 minutes later, the crack of a twig brought the binos down from my eyes and turned my attention to a trail behind me where I spotted a whitetail buck approaching about 30 yards away. Immediately I started counting the tines... 4x4 thought it might be to early in the season but as he proceeded to my predicted x spot I knew he would offer the perfect chance. I drew my bow as he passed behind the small pine infront of me offering for me not to be seen drawing my bow. As he walked into my sight ring i put my 20 pin right behind the shoulder, found that tuft of hair... and thwack!!!! Money! My rage 2 blade had hit its mark. At just under 20 yards I patterned him to the freezer. He dropped and stumbled crashing off watching him run 10 yards before entering the thick stuff and disappearing. not a second later the crashing stops. I let out a great shout letting my buddies know I got him. We walked back to the house and had a snack and did chores and the went back out and found him 10 yards further from where I last watched him crash off. The joy and immense feeling of accomplishment went through my body that night knowing I worked for that buck, I practiced and it payed off it may have taken several years to get that buck but no feeling is greater I truly dedicate that deer to my dad! wish he could have been there with me! In a way I know he was and I thank my buddies for helping me drag him outta that bush that evening. This isnt a story about the deer I shot but the appreciation to all who help us with experiences like this and to share it with them! Thanks! Soo next time your sitting in the blind, on the boat, sharing bullsh*t around the fire give a thanks without them , who else would you lie to about that monster you saw, or the shark you had against the side of the boat

[Ruko]

Great story

[bowtech-boy]

thanks Ruko, but its true! how often do we take our buddies for granted? I only got one season with the best hunting buddy i could ask for, although I didnt get a deer, I did get to go on a pheasant hunting trip with him and one of my buddies in the picture and his dad for that pheasants forever and it was the best experience of my life.

[J.B.]

Very Nice!

[Stinky Buffalo]

That's good stuff right there.

Well done.

[Stop Staring at my Rack]

A great tribute to your dad!! Well done! Congratulations!!!

[bowhunter9841]

Very nice first bowkill! Wonderful story, my father passed away when I was 13, I'm 29 now, and I definitely feel like I missed out on a lot of hunting because he had passed away! I didnt start hunting till I was 23 and I have yet to take a buck that nice, with bow or rifle! I find my Favorite thing about being out hunting is, it makes me feel closer to my dad! He was a hunting junkie! And although he isn't there physically, every hunt I go on. I always feel him there with me! I'm sure he would laugh so hard at some of the things a guy will do when the old buck fever hits! Congrats on your buck! I'm sure your dad is very proud!

[pottymouth]

Huge congrats, and a great read. I 'm sure your dad is up there beaming right now, and proud. Congrats again, great first archery whitey

[Rockymtnx]

bowtech-boy, congats on your whitetail. Job well done.
That is one deer hunt you will never forget.

[TreeGuy]

Very well done lad. Thanks so much for sharing such a special moment with us. Congrats on a trophy that will never be surpassed in your heart.

[ishootbambi]

you seem to have the insight and maturity of someone much older than you are. my guess is that you are going to be a success in life in more areas than just hunting.....

congrats on a fine buck young fella.

dale

[matathonman]

The same someone put that buck in front of you that day is the same one you thank for your wonderfull experience!!!! The Lord put all them creatures here for us to enjoy...your dad is the wonderful man that taught you how to enjoy what was put here for that very reason. Great job young man and a very good story!
I look forward to hearing more from you!

[matathonman]

Originally Posted by ishootbambi

you seem to have the insight and maturity of someone much older than you are. my guess is that you are going to be a success in life in more areas than just hunting.....

congrats on a fine buck young fella.

dale

x2 well said

[packhuntr]

I really enjoyed your story Mr. Hard work pays, good job and congrats to you and your pals hes a great archery w/t!! Great team effort! Dont ever forget theres not much you ever accomplish on your own, theres most always someone that helped play a role in your success!

[Jamie Black R/T]

great story and great message....wise beyond your years obviously.

hold your head high young man....thats a dandy buck for anyone....not even to mention its your first!

keep it up and keep sharing....you will make friends around here im sure

[RayL42]

Great Deer and great story, after I read it I gave my oldest hunting buddy / mentor a call and planed a long over due hunt for next week.

[FallAirFever]

Great story, thanks for sharing with us! Looks like you guys hava great little group there. I am fortunate enough to be blessed with a great group of friends that still make time every year for us to get together for a week long hunt on our old stomping ground where we grew up. We have know each other for 25 years or more.

I hope your group of friends can find time for each other as the years go by and life gets more complicated and full.

Congrats on your buck and good luck for the rest of the season!

[BigRackLover]

just a fantastic post. Congrats on your deer and friends that help you drag him out.

[hunt_and_fish]

That was a real treat to read. Thanks a lot for taking the time to write it up and share it with us.

Congratulations on a very nice deer.

[hunter10]

Congrats buddy! Great story and nice whitey! Wish I had a couple of buddies that hunt! Your lucky! Great job!

[dadof5]

Congrats. No doubt your dad is proudly watching. He did something right in raising you before his passing. Keep up the good work!

[flint guy]

Thanks for sharing that. Sounds like you have your head screwed on straight... Keep it up.

[Pep]

Fantastic!!!!!.

I think that story and picture of all of you could be one for the magazine... You should really consider submitting it to Rob.

[magoonpointboy]

Thanks for sharing. My dad has been gone 23 hunting seasons now, but I owe my love of the sport to him, and I have the most vivid memories of him when I'm out in the field. I hope I can pass as much on to my two boys as your dad did to you. Great buck. Great story.

[trophyboy]

This is, bar none, the best post that has ever been put on here. What a great accomplishment and as ishootbambi said, I have a feeling you're going to be successful in every part of your life. Way to go,. you should be extremely proud of yourself. Keep it up.

[RUM11]

Like Stinky Buffalo said; Thats the good stuff right there.Congrats to you and your buddies.Nice buck.