For the last two years my son Hunter has hunted the youth turkey weekend here in NH with a shotgun, this year he made it clear that he would be hunting with the bow he so graciously received at Shawn's Bunny hunt. This weekend is youth weekend here in NH, so off we went this morning. Hunter has been practicing at short ranges, and we decided that we would limit his shots to ten yards or less.
I had set our blind yesterday morning, and hadn't been in it for five minutes when two toms and a jake walked by in full strut at five yards. I sat there wishing it was today.
This morning we were setup before daylight, and there were birds all around making noise, Hunter was plenty excited. About a half hour after daylight a bearded hen walked by us, but at 15 yards was too far to shoot. Ten minutes later I look toward the woodline and see the same two birds from yesterday at the edge of the woods. They see the decoys in front of our blind and start right for them, here they are at about twelve yards.......
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/huntrdfk/P1000365.jpg)
They keep coming and get right between the jake and hen decoy, and I tell Hunter to shoot the second bird. I can hear his heavy breathing, ok maybe it was mine too, wouldn't you know it the birds change position. Hunter draws and shoots at 6 yards.........here is the result....
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v248/huntrdfk/P1000369.jpg)
A clean miss!!! If you look close you can see the string from his string tracker just to the right of the decoys......
Hunter was still very excited, this being his first real experience shooting an arrow at a game animal. I asked how he felt, he said, "Dad, I couldn't stop my legs from shaking."
Later we talked about the shot and how excited he was, and the fact that it was better to have a clean miss than to wound an animal.
We won't be able to hunt tomorrow, but will be out together again during the regular season next week.
I can honestly say that seeing him hunt and his excitment at having an oppotunity is simply an awesome thing to be part of. He has already asked me who will shoot if we are hunting together and a bird comes in.......it is all his.
David
Very cool David. Going to bring Hunter up next month?
That's the good stuff!!!!!!
Trap
Hunter will remember that one forever!
Great story! There's a turkey w/Hunter's name on it PDQ I'll bet.
Sounds like your bringing him up right.
Good luck on your next outing.
awesome man!!!! thats what its all about. my legs still shake when a big ole boss gobbler comes a strutting!!!
Well done my Young Friend!!!!! :thumbsup:
Don't worry about the miss,when you get to be mine and your Dads age you'll have many misses under your belt,and ALOT of great memories in your head!!!!!
Just one more piece of "Old Indian" wisdom.....If your legs ever DON'T shake when your getting ready to shoot at game.....
It will be time to hang up your bow!!!!!
May The Great Spirit Guide Your Arrows
Im sure he will make up for it soon! Sounds like a great day in the woods. Good luck to both of you!
Dave..thats awesome. Ya gotta love being out there with your son. After the Bunny Hunt and seeing the look on his face, you just knew your never going to lose this hunting companion. Keep the fire burning Dave...a great read....we'll consider Hunter an Associate Member of Team Pink!
;) :p :cool:
Cool!! Thanks for sharing with us. Sounds like a wonderful memory to make with your son.
God bless,Mudd
Now that is just amazing...keep at 'em Hunter; I've got a good feeling you'll arrow one soon enough...
Don't give up Hunter it'll happen Buddy. Thanks for sharing that with us David. Hope you both can get one next time out.
My legs are shaking just thinking about sitting next to Hunter! Dave & Hunter...Ya done good! Doc
That is excellent, David and Hunter,you guys are a team!! Stay with em Hunter,next time may be the one!
Thanks guys, being with him for his first shot is something I'll never forget, hopefully there will be many more to come.......
Dave, it will all depend on whether I come up on a weekend or during the week, school comes first....
David
Dave, I'm jealous I have to wait till this fall for Joe to be able to go, I'm counting the days till next years youth season, The way Joe is talking he wants to start right out with his bow. I'm sure that you will have many more days together in the turkey woods :thumbsup:
Great story and sounds like an awesome hunt. Hope you guys have many more.
Great story, sounds like you have a good place to hunt! Good luck.
Hunters first loosed arrow at a turkey will be remembered by the both of you for a very long time. I'm sure there will be many more for the both of you. :thumbsup:
Almost buddy! You'll get one soon!!!
Wow, so close! No doubt, Hunter is hooked.
Good hunting.