Post by BIG FOX on Oct 28, 2013 21:31:39 GMT -5
I gave a buddy of mine a call last week after having watched the endless herds of deer running to the sound of his feeder going off on FACEBOOK. He offered very generously I might add, to have me and the boys come down to do a little deer thinning and I gladly accepted and we set the plans in motion. On Saturday we met up and were able to get my larger ground blind set up on his spot. then left it alone till today. I emailed him this morning and asked when he thought he wanted to give it a try and he said "TONIGHT".. this of course was at like 7am while I was at work so needless to say NOTHING got done today. I headed home early go the boys (Dylan is 10 and Austin is 8) picked up, ran home got our gear and headed down to meet up with my buddy Dutch. We had to chase a deer off the field to get in the blind. I was setting chairs up and getting the kids settled as Dutch went to park. As he headed our way he spooked a few more deer off and we settled in a somewhat cramped blind. It wasn't long when the deer returned and we watched as deer after deer entered the field. Mostly yearlings, then a small group came in from the left and Dutch confirmed that there was a larger doe among them. I got Austin up in the blind and rested the Barnett Jackel on the trigger stick as I fumbled to try and get my camera up while helping Austin steady the crossbow. To no avail so I set the camera down and concentrated on helping my boy. He starts panting like a dog and whispers to Dutch and I "Daddy my heart is beating really fast," me and Dutch both laugh and we are both about to die as the deer near the shooting zone. After patiently waiting for what seemed like forever, maybe 1 min, old slick head presented herself at 35 yards broadside. I asked Austin if he had her and he said he did so he let the bolt rip, tipped with a 3 blade RAGE. The bolt hit the deer and they all scattered. I heard to thud of a hit and watched as the deer bucked to run and the bolt went flying. Dutch, after a few choice words after dropping the video, and I were flipping out as we both just witnessed my 8 year old son shoot his first deer. We exited the blind, found the bolt and good sign and decided we had plenty of light and another eager shooter with us so lets get back in the blind. Once we got set up with my son Dylan in position it didn't take long for the hungry deer to filter back onto the proving grounds. Where 5 young deer tried to grab up every kernel they could before more deer got there. After waiting and watching for about 15 min or more Dylan said he would gladly take one of the deer that were out there. I confirmed with Dutch and he gave the green light. Dylan took the crossbow by himself, aligned the sites on the deer he decided on and gave me the heads up he was ready. I zoomed in with my digital camera on the deer he chose and waited. When the deer was perfectly broadside he released the 3 blade harbinger of death through the air to land a bit forward but a immediate downed deer and a quick kill at about the same 35 yard shot. I really could not be more proud of the young men these boys are becoming and how grateful I am to the people in my life and friends I have made. This ranks right up there in the top days/nights of my life with time spent with a good friend and my two wonderful kids.. What an awesome night and a great memory I will have FOREVER.,.... I could not thank my friend Dutch enough.
