First One 11/3
I had the privilege of taking the ole lady out to shoot a few times this summer in hopes of putting her on her first deer this fall. She had no experience behind a high-powered rifle until we started. Needless to say she surprised me and picked up very fast. I felt confident that when presented with the opportunity she would do well. Between her finishing up school at Clemson as well as myself being locked down at The Citadel it was hard to find time to make it happen. It all came together on the first Sunday afternoon in November. We got in the stand about 4:00. It was going to be a short sit because we weren't after any horns I wanted her to get on a nice doe before I turn her loose on a buck. It didn't take long and we were covered in deer. I was trying to coach her through it all in the moment. There was quite a few buttons and yearlins in the mix so I wanted to make sure after I decided on which deer she stayed on it. I took the safety off and told her to get on it and when she felt comfortable to shoot. We were in a box blind so after that I plugged my ears and turned to watching the deer incase we had to track it. It felt like an eternity and I hadn't heard a shot yet. I unplugged my ears and looked at her. She was shaking like a leaf. She didn't feel comfortable so she didn't shoot. I told her that was an outstanding decision on her part. We tried to get back on that same deer but she walked behind some brush and out of sight after that. I could tell she was very upset she let them slip off but I knew we would see some more. About 5 minutes later we had another group come out. I told her which one she wanted and she got down on the gun again. Once she was ready I clicked off the safety again and was in the midst of telling her "alright whenever you........BOOM" I almost went through the roof of the stand I couldn't believe she shot that quickly. The doe donkey kicked and took off through the field but I could tell she was in bad shape. She made it about 75 yards and piled up.
There were many hugs and high-fives quickly to follow. I hadn't felt that rush of emotion since my first many many years ago. I always knew she could do it but she excelled way past my expectations. She made an excellent shot. Slipped one right behind the back shoulder and it whistled right through the middle of the exit shoulder. We decided to get down and go check her deer out. She got a little emotional when it was all said and done. I told her it would be alright and that its normal to feel a little upset. I can attest to a few tears on my first kill a long time ago. While she doesn't necessarily come from a hunting family she got stuck with me and has no choice but to try it now haha. She has showed more and more interest and actually seems to enjoy it so hopefully we will have many more trips to come. - ColemanIMG_3926.jpg
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Originally Posted by Rubberhead*
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