Well, a potential monster this Bambi could have been. :)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/barndwellers_md/zachsdeer001.jpg)
His first deer with a mild R/D bamboo backed bullet wood Sweet Styx by Swann, 60" 44@28 he's pulling right around 30#'s. Full length GT 3355 with 125 4 blade Magnus heads.
At first light I dropped his sister off in the lower stand right off the corn field, Zach went to the 'hot spot' stand...mature maple in a ravine between the fields (hides you really well...his mom arrowed her fist buck out of same tree). I tried to go to another stand on the upper field edge but didn't make it due to almost a dozen deer dancing around in the barley.
After standing there for 15 minutes I heard a deer running through the corn making the typical thrashing sound the arrow makes as it mows the corn over...immediately knew Zach shot.
Ran right by his sister down to the creek. Zach was first to find. Made an excellent 10 yard shot from 20' high on a relatively small animal. First thing I said to him was "Guess you picked a SPOT". :)
He's excited....already has it processed and in the fridge. Ready to go for more!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :notworthy:
Attaboy! How cool does he feel at the moment!
great job zach!!...that one will be some good eating!.... hopefully , my son will shoot as good as you ! And with the bow that you built and sent us..nice job bud!!!
Attaboy Zach.. :thumbsup: :clapper: :clapper:
Congratulations! Getting the hide tanned?
Good going Zach thats a bigger smile than I had on my biggest buck. At 12 I was only reading and dreaming about deer hunting. Nice shot
Great job Zach! Here's to many, many more enjoyable hunts with a stickbow in hand.
:bigsmyl: :thumbsup: Congrats Zach.
Great job Zach.It will be a few years but cannot wait for my grandson to start huntingKip
Way to go!That hide would make a heckuva quiver.
Great job Zach!!
That ought to be some wonderful venison. Wonderful job and a great start for a fine young hunter.
A memory for a lifetime. Attaboy Zach!!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :notworthy: :notworthy:
Well done!
Super Zack !!! Enjoy the hunt forever ..
Pat
Way to go Zach! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :clapper:
David
GREAT JOB Zach! :thumbsup: Refreshes those memories of my son shooting his first deer when he was 11. I wish you a great and safe hunting future and look forward to more pictures and stories.
best afield
THanks for the kind comments...makes him blush!
The arrow hitting all those corn stalks was a good thing...made chop-suey out of the lung/heart cavity. That Magnus made a big hole at the top of that deer.
He's going to let the meat sit in the fridge for 5 days before we grill. Should be yummy in da tummy.
WHAT AN ARCHER HE IS
CONGRATULATIONS
NOW HIS SISTERS TURN
BETTER GET THE FREEZER READY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
congrats !!!!!
Awesome job! Good shootin'!
:cla :bigsmyl: pper:
Congrat! Good shooting.
Atta boy Zach! Keep up the good shooting!
Good Job!!!!!!!!!! :bigsmyl: :archer:
Congrats Zach from a fellow Marylander!
That is cool and as others have suggested get the hide tanned. I shot a deer just out of spots 2 years ago and it was about as good as good can get when we ate it!! :thumbsup: Joseph
Great job Zach! Now go get another one!
I'm going to have to show this to my 13 year old who's hunting for the first time this year.
nice shootin Zach :0) congrats
Very, very cool!!!
Whooooooooopeeeee!!
Brant
Congratulations on your first Zach!!!
Alway be safe, 100% protected, and secured when your feet leave the ground. That means all the way up the tree, getting into the stand, sitting in the stand, getting out of the stand, and coming back down the tree. Whether its 1 foot or 20.
WAY TO GO ZACH... Congrats keep shooting..
I grovel at your feet, Zach. Great job, here's to many more bloodtrails... :clapper:
NDT
way to go Zach and hat's off to dad for making it all happen. thanks for sharing a wonderful story. still have a few weeks left before our season starts here and i'm hoping i can get my 11 year his first.
:thumbsup:
Way to go Zach, and good job to the father as well. Hope you enjoy your harvest.
I have been reluctant to say any thing but, here I go. I'm am sure I have not been the first to think this either.
First off, Yes great shot Zach.
I think that we should teach our younger hunters the importants of image and this image can harm us as hunters more than most will allow them to think.
We as mentors should teach the younger hunters, even though it is legal in some parts to shoot a spotted fawn, ethically in the eyes of many (includeing me)it is wrong regardless of the age of the hunter.
If this image makes it's way around the internet (I'm sure it will) it will just add fuel for the anti hunting groups to build their fire even larger.
Bill, I respect your opinion but this is a twelve year old kid with his first deer, a legal deer. I'd defend his right and reason for taking it any day of the week. ;)
Congrats kid! :notworthy:
Bill, I understand you sentiment...and for a grown man I would whole heartedly agree: I would not take a spotted fawn (me personally that is). But, for a 12 year old and his first kill...well, to me that's just "different" and if legal, perfectly acceptable. I wouldn't expect him to kill another, but can't find any fault in this as his first, especially at 12 with a tradbow. I say far better to have him now firmly in our fold and beginning to understand his place in God's order of life. Sadly, there are far too few 12 year olds out there who know those things.
"Ethics" are simply too individual to impose on others...that's what laws are for. Dog hunting is a way of life for many...for me, I detest it, but I have no right to keep them from it if their regional laws allow it. I don't like gun hunting either, and think only kids and the elderly should be allowed to hunt with them. But hey, I think a fawn is ok for a 12yr old with a stickbow...so my ethics may not agree with yours or anyone elses for that matter.
And the antis would scream and holler if it were a crow, coyote, 10pt whitetail, or whatever. They want to outlaw all hunting period, so I don't think this would be any more inflamatory than all the rest of our pics posted on here. jmho
great shot congradulations 20 ft high awsome that angle makes it that much harder to hit small vitals Ralph
the kid got his first deer, GREAT SHOT, Zach
Congratulations Zach.
I have to admit that I sorta cringed when the picture came up. I kinda feel the same as Bill. I am glad to see a youngster taking up hunting but I'll bet, as Bill said, that alot of guys had a bad feeling at the sight of the spotted fawn.
Of course it has always been illegal to kill spotted fawns here in Alabama, so maybe my initial response is due to that.
Mark
Way to go Zach !!! And yes, silence is wisdom. I for one am proud of the young guy. Would I take a spotted fawn? depends on the moment. God knows I have taken plenty of them to feed my family when I was starting out. Any animal taken with a bow and arrow is a prize. With the over population of deer in some areas it isn't a bad thing to do anyway. And beside has anyone ate horns yet? That meat will be the best meat there is and as far as anti hunters they are always going to have their opinions, complain and force their weak ideas on others. As long as you repect what you have done in a good way, any deer is a trophy. Doesn't matter.
He is a 12 year old boy with his first deer, and he took it with a longbow. The last thing this kid needs is to be made to feel quilty about taking a legal deer.As trad. bowhunters or bowhunters period, we need him on our team more then we need bowhunters who question the ethics of a twelve year old for making a legal fair chase kill.
Awesome deer. It will be one to be remembered!
Don't ever let anti-hunters make you as an archer and hunter walk on eggshells which seems to be an ever growing trend.
Congrats Zach! Great job on your first big game harvest and with the longstick no doubt! I understand some of the statements above, but I have told the kids I take hunting, get your first one no matter what size, shape or color. Had Zach shot this deer in 2-3 weeks, with no spots, would he still be questioned? I have seen way more full grown men fill a doe tag with a fawn, and that makes me ill. A twelve year old with a long bow = great trophy in my eyes!!!
I'd be one proud hunter if'n I were that young man.
QuoteOriginally posted by DRR324:
Had Zach shot this deer in 2-3 weeks, with no spots, would he still be questioned? I have seen way more full grown men fill a doe tag with a fawn, and that makes me ill.
Very good point. I have seen many of the same grown men do it with a shotgun.
Zach you are the man!!! :cool:
Zach doesn't mind those who express their opinions regarding fawns.
He's seen his papa bear (who was raised on the farm he shot the fawn) sicker than a dog with Lyme disease and spend enough money to buy a house to get well...his older sister, and his cousins and his aunts and uncles and his grandpa had lyme too, for that matter.
He's heard a multitude of the folks (mostly non-hunters) in the neighborhood get lyme and one died of heart complications and others who ended up crippled in a wheelchair. Young and old getting very ill with bacteria from ticks spread like wildfire by an overpopulation of deer.
He's just doing what his daddy does cause he knows how it's helping reduce the population and providing some of the best tasting meat on the table for the family.
Part of his manhood coming to expression. ;)
I had an uncle come over from the old country.
Said he shot a doe, made a mistake of crossing the farm in May, had 2 little ones inside.
"I eata them too" he said. He was a grown man but a hungry man with a hungry family.
GOOD EATS! CONGRATS ZACH.<><
Way to get started Zach congrats on some fine steak :thumbsup:
Brent
way to go zach :archer:
Great job!! Enjoy your first trophy! :clapper: :clapper:
Congrats Zach!
Way to take the time and patience to get them out there Dad!
QuoteOriginally posted by ken swann:
Zach doesn't mind those who express their opinions regarding fawns.
Gentlemen, Bubba expressed his thoughts fair and square, respectfully and with congratulations to the young man I might add. No need to turn this into an ethics dispute...start another thread if you wish, but it too will remain respectful and cordial or it will get closed.
Ken, if that young man of yours can learn to listen to other points of view, consider the possibilities, and develop/express his own, that's a tall order for any man...if he's learning it already he will be well ahead of most. Tip of my hat to him for that....more so than a lifetime of animals taken with a stickbow.
Now, let's carry on and try and keep this particular thread out of an ethics discussion.
Meats meat gotta eat is what i say congrats to the boy !!!!
Congratulations, Zach!!!
:wavey: :wavey:
VERY COOL!!! I am very impressed!! Congrats to all!! Shawn
Thanks, JC! And to everyone for the encouragement to Zach!
Congrats to Zach! It was a legal deer and he took it legal, what more can we ask for. The Anti's are going to hate us no matter what we do. That being said, I do respect everone's opinion and their right to express it. Don
good stuff... attaboy
Well Said JC and DW... Although I fully understand Bill's point of view. I support folks who take game to eat no matter the situation. God Bless America and our right to choose.
QuoteOriginally posted by BobCo 1965:
Awesome deer. It will be one to be remembered!
Don't ever let anti-hunters make you as an archer and hunter walk on eggshells which seems to be an ever growing trend.
DITTO! Congrats. buddy! :thumbsup: :notworthy:
Mike :campfire:
Good job Zach! This is something you'll never forget. Always remember the feeling of awe and satisfaction that took place. Awesome to do this at your age, I was 33 years old when I killed my first deer with a bow. Be proud and humble at the same time. As far as the spots go, I drive by many dead on the road that end up in the county landfill. All deer will die someday so it doesn't bother me one bit to see someone legally take one with spots. Enjoy every tender bite.
:thumbsup:
I hope one does not step out in front of me like that or it will hopefully be in my freezer....
Way to go Zach....
Well done both Zach and Dad!!! :)
good stuff, the stuff of memories.
BD
Good job Zach. have that hide tanned. It's pretty neat.
Way to go Zach. Takes me back to when my oldest took his first about 17 years ago. Enjoy him Ken while you can. They grow up to fast.
David
Very cool! Nice job Zach!!
Tom
Way to go Zach, I took my brother in law hunting for the first time ever this weekend. On the third time in the stand he arrowed one just like yours. I could not be happier for you or him. And I will tell you what the back straps we ate later that night I could cut with a fork.
Scott
Way to go Zach, Good job young man !
Nice look'n bow too.
Jerald
Good job Zach!
Don't let the anti's scare you Bill. :D
Good job Zach. You will remember this one for a long time. My first was about the same size back in PA in the late 60's and I still remember it like yesterday. Can't remember what I had for lunch but that 1st deer will be there forever.
Way to go! I'm still trying to kill my first with longbow. Can't believe he is 36 years ahead of me!
AWESOME JOB ZACH ! :thumbsup:
Congrats Zach! You did a fine job. :thumbsup: :notworthy:
Great job, Zach! :wavey:
Thats realy something special!!! Good job!!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
great job young man :thumbsup:
hey bubba exactly what is wrong with shooting fawns does it mean not to have veal which i personaly like . I guess its the antlers your after !!
Good on ya Mate!! :thumbsup:
Very cool,congrats all around :notworthy: :clapper:
Great job Zach. This is something that VERY FEW
hunters your age will accomplish. :thumbsup:
Congrats Zach!!!
It's a great feeling knowing you helped put dinner on the table for the entire family.
Ken.....the boy looks just like you! Looks like all those summer groundhog hunts paid off! Way to go buddy!
Tim
Thats Awsome!! Congrats Zach!!!
Brian
Congrats Zach!!!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :clapper:
Just noticed in the picture, I shoot with the same glove. LOL
JC...im with you 100%%%%%%.... Zach, did you take that deer with one of the bows you made yourself? Congratulations, and I'd be so very proud to be your Dad... That venison will be outstanding. keep up the good work bud! Ken, we need more parents like you..good job..
Great job Zach .I guess I'll be the one to ask-did he field dress it? It would have also been a good education as part ofd the whole process of getting food.
That is AWESOME!! Good shooting Zach!
CONGRATS YOUNG MAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :clapper: :clapper: :clapper:
Congrats to you, Zach!!!
Hey Steve, Zach hasn't finished his bow yet, so he took over one of mine in the interum. Would of been extra special if he took it with one that he made though. If your son shoots something with his old bow...post it here...would love to see it!
Corrado - we don't field dress deer any longer...use the gutless method. Zach's got years of experience already in the processing..only took him an hour to get it cut and in the fridge...I helped 10 minutes or so!
Thanks again for all the congrats, encouragement and PM's!
sure thing Ken...
Hey zach I did the same thing with a browning 45lbs recurve with cedar shafts and bear razor heads.....31 years ago. I remember it like yesterday and so will you. great job and good luck
way to go bud :clapper: :clapper: :clapper: :goldtooth:
Well done Zach, I hope it is the first of many! Leonard.
AWESOME job Zach!!!!!!!!!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Congratulations Zach!!!! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Zach,
Congrats on your first deer....it doensn't get much sweeter....sepecially with a stick.
Succesful hunting is detemined by the amount of time spend doing it rather than the number of animals taken.
God speed.
:notworthy:
BAM!!! Great Job!!
I'm jealous I havnt gotten Mine yet!!
Awesome...way to go and keep up the good work.
Twelve and already got one with a bow...I started when I was twelve and didn't get one until my 4 season with a bow.
Way to go.
Josh
Ken pat zach. on the back for me. Thats a job well done. He is having better luck this year than I am. You are going to have a real hard time keeping him out of the woods now...He is hooked for life..
excellent.
congrats. :)
well how about you Zach. Congrats fellow hunter. You helped provide meat for your family. How does that feel?