I got an invite to hunt at one of the prison units for a Youth Deer Hunt with my son, Mitchell. Mitch and I went out on Saturday afternoon. It was one of those magical afternoons that's happened just a few times in my hunting career. We headed out to the blind around 2:30pm. Mitch and I had a great time watching hawks, spiders, and just enjoying each others company. It ain't often you get a chance to just spend some quality time with your kids, and this was great for me and Mitch.
The action started about 6pm. Deer started entering the field. First all does. Then, the bucks started coming into the field. There was a small 4 pointer, a six, and two 8's. One of the 8's looked real promising, but he was too far away to tell if he was a shooter or not. Then a couple of does came out about 250yrds from us. The big boy got interested and started our way. The closer he got the better he looked. Then he started chasing the does and they got to about 150yrds of us. We watched the buck chase does for about 15mins. A couple times the smaller 8 tried to horn in on his action but the bigger 8 would run him off. Finally, the buck started straight toward us face on and stood for a minute with his head up, and ears erect. The horns went outside the ears. That's all I needed to see. He was a shooter!!
So, I told Mitch to shoot him when he turned broadside. That rascal started chasing them does again and Mitch had to change windows. I ranged the buck at 150 again. So, Mitch took a shot. He missed! The deer didn't even run. He took a few steps and stopped again. Mitch shot again, and MISSED!! This time the deer ran a little ways. But, he stopped again. I ranged him at 225yrds with the range finder. I told Mitch to hold about 3/4 of the way up the body on his shoulder. I told him to calm down, take some deep breaths, and just squeeze the trigger. He said "Dad I can kill this deer". I said, "Kill him then!"
Well, Mitch done just what he said and put a bullet right in the boiler room. The buck ran about 50yrds and dropped from a perfect heart shot.
The buck was pretty heavy, and his neck was all swollen. Mitch actually saw him rubbing on mesquite trees just before he entered the field.
This is Mitch's biggest buck, and longest shot to date. I'm real proud of him. He's becoming a great hunter and rifleman.
The next afternoon, on Sunday, it was Matthew's turn. We went to the same stand and had a great afternoon hunting. Deer came out 3-500yrds away and were feeding in the field. Then 3 coyotes came out and were running around in the field. Matthew sure wanted to take a shot at them. But, I convinced him to be patient and wait on a deer that was close enough. Then it happened. 5 does came out in front of the stand. One of them headed our way and got within 150yrds. I gave Matt the go ahead to take her as soon as she turned broadside. It didn't take him long. BAM, one shot one kill. She was DRT. Matt and I nearly fell out of the stand giving each other high fives and hooting and hollering!
The Ley kids are 2 for 2 this year. Now all I gotta do is put Michelle in front of a deer.
Here is Mitch with his 8 point. It was pretty heavy, and the horns made the 13 inch requirement by a half inch. They were 13 and half inside.
Here is Matthew and his doe. She was a good sized doe, but not nearly as big as that 8 pointer.
