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As we ventured in I thought what I saw was another animal on the ground looking back. Grant immediately saw the outline of the deer and ran forward shouting “Poppa! You got him!”. When I caught up, I saw the largest 4 point I will ever likely see. He would’ve made a trophy 8 pt, but he lost his left rack and part of his ear, probably in a fight with another buck. We all commented that it would be nice to see that deer too.

The next day, Grant and I found the perfect spot for him to get a close shot. He waited patiently all day with me. At one point, I thought it wise to remind him how to set up his shot, where to aim and that he needs to prepare himself mentally to be ok IF he misses. We had spent some time at the range previously and I was pretty confident that he could hit a deer with a .410 slug at 30 yards but I felt the Lord’s prompting to add the character lesson too No sooner had I said that when a real 4 pointer walked out in the pasture right in front us, turned broadside and stared at us seemingly saying “Cheese!” for a photo. Grant had all day to set it up, took his time and slowly squeezed off his shot.

I have hunted all my life and I could not explain to my kids why I have seen but never shot the "big one". After seeing the big buck 3 years in a row, buck fever and frustrations were frequently experienced. I finally had him at an easy 33 yards, and the arrow went under him entirely. The next day I now longer owned the bow and when questioned I explained to my kids that the decision to sell it was practical, and not emotional. Six weeks later, at 125 yards, I finally was blessed with another chance. But this time it was muzzle-loader season. I always wanted a Boone and Crocket, and a drop-tine. Well, I achieved both. Gross was 193 and the best part, my wife let me hang in over the dining room table.

Went hunting with my dad this year and harvested a nice buck. The Lord gave me something even more special than the deer and that was a great opportunity to talk with my dad about what it was like when he was my age with his family -- fears, joys, and struggles with daily issues. I praised the Lord for allowing me that special time with my dad and for reminding me that I am not the first dad to go through these struggles. He also reminded me, as you do each week, that while the struggles are hard my kids will grow up fast and there will be a time when I will wish I could go back to these days. Bottom line -- enjoy the good, bad and ugly days until the Lord calls us home.

This weekend my daughter wanted to hunt, so we went to the blind and saw nothing, we still had a great time. Saturday I was Dad all day and the kids and I had a blast sighting in the new TC Triumph and of course checking traps. Mom returned from Christmas shopping and informed me of all the deer she saw running the fields as they drove down the interstate, just trying to rub it in maybe.

Sunday morning means church and Sunday school. After a great lunch with the family, I started to pack up my gear and head to a new spot I received permission on; as I pulled into the drive I could see the farmer cutting wood, no dice today on the new spot.

My wife and I have six children. Our first four are boys and the last two are twin girls. The girls are twelve years old and asked if they could try hunting. Well, the older brothers are jealous now. My daughter, Danielle, shot this buck this weekend with her twin, Lydia, and me, her dad. She used a .280 Remington at 175 yards. It is a 10-point buck, 19½ ” wide rack outside spread with a Green Score of 136 2/8, for the hunters that know what that means. It was her first buck–the first day ever hunting. She was participating in Wisconsin’s youth hunt this last weekend. I never shot a buck this big but I have guided to a few. It was a very hard shot she made; the deer was facing us with its head down. She took one shot and broke its back–exactly were I told her to aim. All her big brothers have to look up to their little sister now!

Connor and I started our outdoorsman journey about 7 years ago. I never went hunting as a child or an adult until Connor began to show some interest. I shot my first deer with him 3 years ago and I got to be with him when he shot his first.

Connor disciplined himself from age five to shoot his BB gun with
sights and then a scope, all in preparation for that one great shot.
He practiced in the garage when it was to cold to go outside and in the heat of the summer outside.

Finally this was Connor’s day, another father from church took us to a place he knew deer where plentiful all for the sole purpose of rewarding Connor for his faithful practice.

Every year, when each girl turned 5, they began their journey with their Dad and Grandpa by first learning to scout the land. When each girl turned 6 years old, they were able to go out on opening day with Dad and Grandpa. So each year for the past 6 years, he has taken one or two of the girls with them. This past year has been a challenge for Grandpa and his health. Within one year’s time he has survived a dissected aorta as well as a quadruple bypass surgery. This was a year to celebrate and embrace together.

My wife and I have been deer hunting together for 18 years, and ever since our first child was born I have dreamed of taking him hunting. Well, now we have three boys, ages 14, 12, 8, and we all love to hunt. This is a dads dream come true! Each year several weeks before archery season opens here in MO we start scouting and discussing where we are going to hang stands for deer season.

After careful thought we set out to prepare the ambush. If you haven’t done the math, there are five of us. That means at least five stands, five bows, five guns, five tags, well you get the idea. Deer season is a lot of work, and I love every minute of it. There is just something about being out in the woods with my family that brings us closer. I was always a die hard hunter when I was younger, but hunting is different now. It’s not about me any more, it’s about us. So, here is the story of my wife’s monster buck.

Anyways…I was out hunting and my 10-year old daughter who loves to come with me. She wants to hunt when she is older, but for now is content to sit next to me and watch.

Last year I managed to shoot a 5 — point buck with her sitting next to me. She was so excited and the deer dropped only about 75 yards away.

I gutted the deer and she helped me to drag it out of the woods and carry my gear as I was seating quite a bit. She couldn’t wait for me to cut some of meat up so she could have her venison meal.