Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Deer Hunting My 6 year old's first deer hunt - whack'em & stack'em

I took my youngest son for his first deer hunt over the New Year holiday. The first morning we saw several deer including one trophy eight pointer we had to let walk because we could not get a clear shot at his neck. The boy wanted to shoot every deer he saw, but was not too disapointed when the big eight point finally left us. Two hours latter this little spike with a broken leg gave us a perfect shot and I let the boy take him.

The kid was proud of himself and I was quite pleased with his shot placement. But he wasn't satisified yet. I barely had this one quartered and on ice before the boy was ready to go back and "shoot the big buck". That evening's hunt we didn't see a deer until after legal shooting time. We left the blind late so we would not spook the deer out of the area. The next morning the weather took a turn for the worse, cold, wind, and rain. We got into the blind early and turned on the propane heater as rain drops begin to bounce off of the metal roof. The boy got into my lap and snuggled up to catch some sleep and I watched for the deer to appear. I was about to give it up for the morning when I caught sight of this 6 point buck approaching through the mesquite. Again, the boy made a good neck shot and the buck droped dead not five feet from the spot where the spike had fallen the previous morning.



By this time the kid is getting a big head. He told me he and I could be deer hunting partners; He would shoot 'em and I could "carve'em up". Heck of a deal, I said. The boy had a hard time understanding the point of the "deer tags". He figured there were five tags, he could shoot five deer. I had to explain over and over that we were in a two buck county and we were not going to shoot any does this year. So Dad, does that mean I can use these tags next year? No son, I don't think the game warden is going to allow that. And on and on...... He wanted to shoot every deer on the place. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

This is the set-up that allowed the boy to kill his bucks. He was shooting my .222 Remington varmint rifle loaded with 55 gr. Sierra bullets and H-322. The trigger is set at one and a half pounds and I had the B&L 6 X 24 scope set on 6 X. He can not reach the trigger with the stock on his shoulder. He has to lay across the butt of the rifle to shoot. Recoil of this rifle is about the same as a .22 rimfire. He can move the rifle on the sandbags himself well enough to stay on a moving deer but he sometimes lets his finger get inside the trigger guard before time to shoot. For safety reasons I won't let him release the safety on the rifle. I do that for him when he assures me that he is on target and ready to shoot. At this young age he requires close supervision.


We obviously had a great time and made some memories. On the way out of the lease the boy said " Thank you Daddy for bringing me deer hunting". I said "your welcome, son" and thought to myself; what's this wet stuff in your eye Dad? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

He did great and looks like you did too! Congratulations to both of you!
Jeff

PDS,

Somrthing he will never forget! Congrats! I can relate to what you said about the finger going inside the trigger guard before the proper time. My five year old Grandson does the same thing. We must keep working with them though! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

He done good pds. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
He'll get over the bloodthirsty stage, all kids go through it.


BCR

What a great hunt! He'll remember that forever. Just got back from two days sharing tree stands with my 12 year old son, what a great way to get those little men one on one for a while.

Simply awesome!!!!

Awwwww...........
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
badger

Way kewl story!!! My little man is 2 now and I can't wait to get him out hunting <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

nice deer he shot but can you tell me the BOY have a name

Man, what a great story. I just can't wait to take my 2 and a half year old ( James) for his first hunt in a few years time. It'll be proud dad that shows him the ways of the hunt.



( Oh yeah, we walk and stalk here in New Zealand. The tree dwelling thing hasn't caught on here)

PDS,

It sounds like being a rich man suits ya! Also looks like you have the good sense to enjoy the riches bestowed upon you.
In my book, a man that don't have enough change to jingle in his pocket is still rich when he shares the experience of his son taking his first big game. Good on you and that fine lookin' boy too.

That is indeed a great story and pictures. I know exactly how you felt.

Congratulations! Thanks for the pics.

Is he the one whose first word was " deer" ? Bob <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

My son is six this year also. I held him out, one last season, I think. He really wanted to go this year, but I just didn't feel like it was time yet. He did go rabbit hunting with me this year, and if I can get him to spend a little time with a rifle before next season, I think he will be ready to go. Congratulations, and thanks for the info on the firearm choice. My son has a hard time reaching the stock on most firearms. I may look into the 64 grain Power Point out of my .223.

Yes, his first spoken word was in fact "deer". I am suprised you remembered that story.

In Michigan a kid has to be 14 and have had taken a hunter safety class before hunting with a firearm. It,s great that you can share that with your boy. My son is 14 and had hunted small game till this year then in his first firearm deer season he shot 2 does w a 7-08 and a 7 pt w a muzzleloader.

Most kids say mama or dada but deer must have stuck in my feeble brain. Does anyone know where I put my keys? Bob <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

PDS,



I think I know how you must have felt. I haven't experienced it yet with my 8 year old, but I'm thinking this year he may be ready. I'm going to replace a couple of my tripods this year with stands that both of us can hunt from.



BTW, I see you're from McKinney, TX. I went to the Cotton Bowl a couple weeks ago and stayed with friends that live in McKinney. I took the whole family and we had a great time. Our friends live in a new development I believe they call Stonebridge.



Anyway, congrats to you and your son.

I am new to McKinney but I live near Stonebridge. Next time send me a PM. I'll buy coffee.