The day started out well as we took a walk scouting for deer activity and deciding where we would take our evening stand. I told Patrick to get ready with the shotgun as I kicked a brush pile where I suspected a rabbit was hiding. Sure enough, out came the bunny running 100 miles an hour, he took a bead on it and stopped it dead in it's track with a blast from the 12 gauge.
Shortly afterwards, he switched the shotgun for his Exocet and we proceeded to our selected tree stand in the hardwoods. It was not long before dusk came and the final half hour of legal shooting was upon us. That is when in the distance I saw deer approaching. They were about 60 yards in distance as I tapped Patrick on the shoulder to get ready. He stood up and unwisely shed his gloves in sub zero C. temperature in anticipation of a quick shot that was not to be.
The deer lingered in the distance as they slowly made their way towards us. Patrick was shaking uncontrollably as buck fever and the cold took a grip of him. I bit my lip as I knew that under those conditions it would be next to impossible for him to make an accurate shot.
Then all of sudden, he turned to me and asked if he could sit on my lap to steady his shot. I nodded that he could and he sat on my knee. A calm came over him as he sat there waiting for the deer to get closer. I gently rubbed his frozen hands with mine and he smiled. I knew then that all the preparation and time together would culminate in a successful way.
As the deer approached and turned broadside to us at 30 yards I whispered into Patrick's ear to take the shot. He did and the Exocet did it's job by driving the bolt cleanly through the deer in the front shoulder. It was a solid hit and the deer bedded down 15 yards from the base of the tree stand mortally wounded. We let it rest there for a while as darkness set in and the coyotes howled in the near distance. We had to track it a bit as it made one last final attempt at escape but it was easy to find as we had fresh snow on the ground.
Proud Papa and Patrick took pictures and ate venison jerky from a previous deer to celebrate.
Next season will be different for Patrick and I as he will be a full fledge member of our small group with equal say and decision making. As we go to our separate stands I will always cherish the opportunity that was given to us to bond so closely. A writ of passage came to him last night. One of many! Soon it will be driving lessons, girls and college or university.
No longer will he be sitting in my lap but my door will always be open to share wisdom and advice.
I love you Patrick and congratulations on your first deer!
Happy New Year to all! Best wishes to you and your family and please take the time to hug your children!
Grizzly-Papa
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