You see, today was going to be a very special day, I was going to get to take my 12 year old son Theiran on his first bowhunt.
I had made a promise to him that if he passed his hunter apprenticeship test I would do everything I could to get him his first deer, with his crossbow.
Well in late Augest Theiran came good on his part of the deal getting 98 percent on each, his F.A.C and hunters safety test.
As I walked toward his room expecting to have to fight to wake Theiran up, I was surprised by a "good morning dad", he was already up and dressed !!!
As we loaded the truck and headed to my favorite place to bowhunt, Howe Island, I coached him on everything I could possible think of just one last time before we climbed into the tree stand.
On the ferry ride over to the Island, some other hunters were chatting it up about how many deer guys were seeing and the number of coyotes as well. When they all found out this was going to be Theirans first bowhunt they were all smiles. Many told stories of there first deer hunts and all gave him advice on his big day. When everybody cleared out an older gentleman 78 years young stepped up to Theiran and shook his hand and gave him a turkey feather for good luck. He told Theiran how lucky he was to have a father that shares the outdoors with him, and all the things he was going to experience.
Once we landed on the island and rounded the corner we drove onto the farm and all the memories of my first hunt with my dad came to mind. I shared that story with Theiran on the way to the treestand.
As we waited for day break the sounds of the woods filled our ears, coyotes howling, turkeys gobbling, mallards flying over head this was truely heaven.
As day broke and the woods started to come alive we were pleasently entertained by a parade of wildlife passing by our stand. A big male coyote emerged from the swamp and picked his way down the ridge followed by a fisher. I turned to Theiran and told him this is what hunting is all about, its not the harvest but the experiences we encounter along the way.
Everything was perfect, the wind was right it was clear, cold and the woods were alive. Theiran grabbed his grunt tube and gave a few calls and 30 seconds later we could hear something coming our way. I motioned for Theiran to get ready and as he stood up and steadied himself a small fawn appeared from the trail followed by another. I peered over to look at him and all I could see was big beads of sweat hanging from his forehead, his eyes were like silver dollars, and was he ever shaking. The 2 deer fed to 8 yards in front of us and walked right past, I whispered "why didnt you shoot?" , a weak little voice answered "I see a bigger one coming- they were too small".
On his first hunt I was very impressed on how he was handling himself, and he passed on the first 2 deer! 10 seconds later a big doe stepped out and headed our way, Theiran readied for the shot he "blatted" and stopped her at 22 yards and I gave him the ok to shoot, and that he did. As we watched the arrow pass through the deer, we could hardly contain our excitement, we saw her go down in just 30 yards.
Tears filled my eyes and I got a lump in my throat, I spun and gave my son a great big hug he looked at me and yelled "We did it dad!!!"
As we climbed down and followed the trail to his first deer I couldnt have been prouder. At that moment I had just passed on the tradition of the sport I love from father to son.
