The eyes of a child.

[Bonebuster]

Sunday was busy.

So much to do.

We hunted this morning. Chilly, and still. Lots of squirrels...no deer. An evening hunt was out of the question.

Saturday evening produced an encounter for my ten yr old.

He is STILL shook up about it.

Me and my two boys spread out, and covered the runways that lead from the creek bottom bedding areas to the White oaks on a piece of deer heaven I (we) have permission to bowhunt.

My ten yr old was perched in a stand about six feet from the ground, nestled in a pine. A good hide. With experience it WOULD work.

It was early yet, 5:00 p.m.. I see movement, and can see it`s a deer. Not heading towards me, it`s following the creek. My binoculars enable me to see bone above the ears. He moves out of my sight rather quickly. Heading straight for Nick.

A few minutes pass, and I see a streak of deer hide heading back from the way he came.
I smile from somewhere in the middle of me, because I can tell the buck has had a close call.
Nick has surely seen him.

Before dark, I go to help Nick get down, He is just out of my sight, maybe sixty yards away.

Still too far to attempt a whisper, I can see a gleam in his eyes.

Caught in the process of the draw, the buck did not wait to see what the movement was.

That buck left unharmed, but he is a trophy that Nick will carry forever. That buck created a BOWHUNTER.

Nick asked if it was normal for his heart to make his whole body move when it`s pounding. "Yep", I said.

Thank you god.

[4runr]

Very cool. Can't wait for my little guy to go with me!

[bowhunterfrompast]

Nick is hooked for life    

bhfp

[Jack Guard]

I got a good laugh outta his question " Is it normal for his heart to make his whole body move when it`s pounding".

He will remember that day for a long time.  

Thanks for sharing.  

Jack

[Mike Orton]

Don,

Please tell your boy that I've been hunting for 30 + years and the same heart-pounding thing still happens to me....and I hope it never stops happening.

[Lefty]

That is awesome!

[longbowben]

He is hooked.

[Whip]

What a cool story!  Far better than if the deer had come your way instead.  That encounter is now burned deep into his memory forever.

[Chris Surtees]

AWESOME      

[Izzy]

Awesome.I remember my 1st close encounter like its happening right now and that was 23 years ago.

[b.glass]

Wow! Neat experience for Dad and son!

[dispatch 510]

Awesome story, I hope my little girl will ike to hunt.

[mscampbell75]

I like the statement"That buck created a Bowhunter."  Thats too cool.

[BRONZ]

Great story!  Look'n forward to taking my girls out... someday.

[allanburden]

Very cool story.  I have three under three and can't wait for them to go out with me.

[blueline]

My heart pounds like that just reading this thread!!!            

Blueline

[FerretWYO]

That is a cool story. He is in for good now.

[Apex Predator]

Your post has made my day!  Thank you.

[Shakes.602]

GREAT JOB  of "Passing It ON!!" This is a Perfect Playground Conversation!! GOOD ON YOU and Your Whole Crew!!
     I Agree Apex, Made My Day Too!!

[JEFF B]

way to go!!!