Wife's First Deer!

huntinaz · October 25, 2013, 04:43 PM

My wife has finally expressed interest in hunting and after we found out she didn't get an elk tag this year she decided she would try for deer. The only hunt available that was convenient and had good draw odds, and didn't screw with any of my planned hunts was a muzzleloader hunt in a unit that is close to our house and that I've spent a lot of time in. The area is fairly heavily populated with does (for Arizona) and generally holds a fair number of yearling bucks. Not only are there usually a lot of small bucks, but the deer are generally not too spooky and often times won't even run when you get out of your vehicle... it's a good beginner hunt.

The only wildcard was that neither of us had ever shot a muzzleloader before. I ran the idea by her and explained that I didn't reckon that muzzleloading would be rocket science and she agreed! So she drew the tag, I bought her a muzzleloader and we shot it on several occasions before the hunt. The rifle was sighted and she was dead on at 100 yards and I was pretty confident she could kill a buck if I could get her a rest and a buck would hold still for her long enough that she could get on it in the scope.

Well opening morning finally rolled around, I just worked 16 days straight and the last thing either of us wanted to do was get up at 430. But we did. We got out to our spot a little late , we forgot something important and had to turn around. Anyway, I had an old logging road in mind that I wanted to walk so we were headed for that. It's quite a ways back into a large area that holds deer. We had been driving literally about 2 minutes past the spot I generally even start looking for deer when she spotted one. After a quick look-over I could see one was a small buck. She eased out of the truck and got the rifle and the monopod, the deer just kept eating as she set up. We had to wait a minute for the buck to pop out from around a large pine, I kissed at it and she fired. I'm not used to the immediate white-out caused by that smokepole so I was frantically trying to see around the smoke. I was still in the truck. I heard her say "I got it, it's limping." Finally the smoke cleared enough that I could see a few deer running around and I could see white legs kicking and knew she had him down.

I'm pretty excited for her, I was more excited for her hunt than I was for mine (coming up next week). Getting one on the drive in, 2 minutes into the hunt is one of the least exciting ways to shoot a buck but we'll take it. She's happy, I'm happy, and she wants to do it again next year. Mission accomplished

The particulars: CVA Wolf shooting .452" 300gr Hornady XTP with 80gr Triple 7. Shot was ~50 yards, quartering slightly towards. She was kneeling and on a monopod. Lunged him pretty good, shot was a little high and back for my liking but the deer didn't know the difference. Clipped one side of lung and mangled the other side, looked like good expansion and pass thru. Ruined zero meat.

Picked up the kids from a friend's house, they are excited to eat mommy's deer:

Hanging weight, dressed out. Leaves something to be desired. I haven't seen a deer killed in awhile, I'm used to hanging elk:

JERRYS. · October 25, 2013, 04:47 PM

that's so cool. looks like a couple more hunters in the future too.

sc928porsche · October 25, 2013, 04:57 PM

Good for her. Guess you know where this is all going to lead. Hunting jacket, pants, shirt, hat, and boots. New centerfire rifle with scope, carrying case, gun cleaning kit, and lots of ammo. You have the muzzle loader, but I am sure she will want to do the centerfire hunt too. Enjoy! There isn't anything much better than sharing something you love with someone you love.

huntinaz · October 25, 2013, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Good for her. Guess you know where this is all going to lead. Hunting jacket, pants, shirt, hat, and boots. New centerfire rifle with scope, carrying case, gun cleaning kit, and lots of ammo. You have the muzzle loader, but I am sure she will want to do the centerfire hunt too. Enjoy! There isn't anything much better than sharing something you love with someone you love.

Yep, I thought about. Looks like we're gonna need another pair of binoculars. Money and time well spent.

AllenJ · October 25, 2013, 05:08 PM

Great job and congratulations. She looks very happy.

Panfisher · October 25, 2013, 05:27 PM

Smiling Happy Wife, Smiling happy kids, nice deer, what not to like. Congratulations to your wife. the day my wife took up deer hunting I became a "go getter", she shoots them I go gets them. Works well, makes her happy which makes me happy and she doesn't complain as much when I buy more stuff.

Geezerbiker · October 25, 2013, 06:05 PM

Nice family and a deer. You sir are a lucky man...

Tony

BIGR · October 25, 2013, 06:09 PM

Congrats to her

NoSecondBest · October 25, 2013, 06:41 PM

Congratulations on her first deer! One of the best reads on here tonight. Hope she gets many more and you two get to share of lot more memories like this one.

shortwave · October 25, 2013, 07:47 PM

Smiles for everyone! That's what it's all about.

From the smiles on the young'ins faces I foresee some family hunting trips in the near future. Enjoy and cherish each one as they slip by sooo quickly.

Sure Shot Mc Gee · October 25, 2013, 09:12 PM

+2 on shortwave's words of wisdom. Congratulations from (MN.) on a job well done Ms.

.284 · October 26, 2013, 07:41 AM

Nice job!!! That's a good first deer and the will be some fine eating. Nice family picture as well.

LOUD · October 26, 2013, 11:06 AM

Man that's great!!!! My hunting partner is my youngest step daughter( whom I love more than life itself). I have 3 daughters and a son, and no one had any interest in hunting so for many years I gave it up for work and career. One day the youngest girl said "Daddy why don't we hunt" ?I replied you never asked, since then we've shared so many great times and I love when she has a successful hunt . Its even better than when I get one! Ive taught her to shoot high power rifles from the time she was 9 . Her favorite weapon is the 270 . She is deadly accurate, and has killed many deer in the three years since we started hunting. I am so proud of her! Congrats on initiating a new hunter to the sport...........................................................LOUD

2damnold4this · October 27, 2013, 04:20 PM

Great job! Looks like hunting will be a family affair!

David13 · October 27, 2013, 08:11 PM

Muzzleloading is not rocket science. And is a lot more fun than rocket science.
Nice. Very nice.
dc

mxsailor803 · October 28, 2013, 01:16 AM

Nice first deer. My first was just a doe lol. Maybe you and your wife will get serious and decide to take a guided trophy hunt together for a anniversary lol. Hey, you can only hope lol.

Pahoo · October 28, 2013, 10:13 AM

That Sir, is the best work you will ever do. You are blessed, in more ways than you know and the memories will last for many years to come. My two "grown" daughters, still mention the times, I took them canoeing in the Boundary-Waters ......

My Compliments and;
Be Safe !!!

SPEMack618 · October 28, 2013, 10:24 AM

Huzzah to your wife, sir.

Great experience for the whole family.

Keg · October 30, 2013, 02:36 AM

Congrats to her! My wife loves to hunt....

Kreyzhorse · October 30, 2013, 08:26 PM

That is awesome!

Chad.C · November 1, 2013, 08:31 PM

Congratulations I'm glad to hear that everything worked out well

October 25, 2013, 04:43 PM	#1
huntinaz Senior Member Join Date: September 21, 2010 Location: az Posts: 1,332	Wife's First Deer! My wife has finally expressed interest in hunting and after we found out she didn't get an elk tag this year she decided she would try for deer. The only hunt available that was convenient and had good draw odds, and didn't screw with any of my planned hunts was a muzzleloader hunt in a unit that is close to our house and that I've spent a lot of time in. The area is fairly heavily populated with does (for Arizona) and generally holds a fair number of yearling bucks. Not only are there usually a lot of small bucks, but the deer are generally not too spooky and often times won't even run when you get out of your vehicle... it's a good beginner hunt. The only wildcard was that neither of us had ever shot a muzzleloader before. I ran the idea by her and explained that I didn't reckon that muzzleloading would be rocket science and she agreed! So she drew the tag, I bought her a muzzleloader and we shot it on several occasions before the hunt. The rifle was sighted and she was dead on at 100 yards and I was pretty confident she could kill a buck if I could get her a rest and a buck would hold still for her long enough that she could get on it in the scope. Well opening morning finally rolled around, I just worked 16 days straight and the last thing either of us wanted to do was get up at 430. But we did. We got out to our spot a little late , we forgot something important and had to turn around. Anyway, I had an old logging road in mind that I wanted to walk so we were headed for that. It's quite a ways back into a large area that holds deer. We had been driving literally about 2 minutes past the spot I generally even start looking for deer when she spotted one. After a quick look-over I could see one was a small buck. She eased out of the truck and got the rifle and the monopod, the deer just kept eating as she set up. We had to wait a minute for the buck to pop out from around a large pine, I kissed at it and she fired. I'm not used to the immediate white-out caused by that smokepole so I was frantically trying to see around the smoke. I was still in the truck. I heard her say "I got it, it's limping." Finally the smoke cleared enough that I could see a few deer running around and I could see white legs kicking and knew she had him down. I'm pretty excited for her, I was more excited for her hunt than I was for mine (coming up next week). Getting one on the drive in, 2 minutes into the hunt is one of the least exciting ways to shoot a buck but we'll take it. She's happy, I'm happy, and she wants to do it again next year. Mission accomplished The particulars: CVA Wolf shooting .452" 300gr Hornady XTP with 80gr Triple 7. Shot was ~50 yards, quartering slightly towards. She was kneeling and on a monopod. Lunged him pretty good, shot was a little high and back for my liking but the deer didn't know the difference. Clipped one side of lung and mangled the other side, looked like good expansion and pass thru. Ruined zero meat. Picked up the kids from a friend's house, they are excited to eat mommy's deer: Hanging weight, dressed out. Leaves something to be desired. I haven't seen a deer killed in awhile, I'm used to hanging elk: __________________ "When there’s lead in the air, there’s hope in the heart”- Hunter’s Proverb "Feed me, or feed me to something. I just want to be part of the food chain." -Al Bundy

October 25, 2013, 04:57 PM	#3
sc928porsche Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2008 Location: now living in alabama Posts: 2,433	Good for her. Guess you know where this is all going to lead. Hunting jacket, pants, shirt, hat, and boots. New centerfire rifle with scope, carrying case, gun cleaning kit, and lots of ammo. You have the muzzle loader, but I am sure she will want to do the centerfire hunt too. Enjoy! There isn't anything much better than sharing something you love with someone you love. __________________ No such thing as a stupid question. What is stupid is not asking it.

October 26, 2013, 07:41 AM	#12
.284 Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2009 Location: davison, michigan Posts: 665	Nice job!!! That's a good first deer and the will be some fine eating. Nice family picture as well. __________________ Guns have only two enemies, rust and politicians! Deer are amazing creatures....so please don't burn the sauteed onions and I'll pass on the steak sauce, thank you.

October 28, 2013, 10:13 AM	#17
Pahoo Senior Member Join Date: February 16, 2006 Location: IOWA Posts: 8,783	Beyond the pictures That Sir, is the best work you will ever do. You are blessed, in more ways than you know and the memories will last for many years to come. My two "grown" daughters, still mention the times, I took them canoeing in the Boundary-Waters ...... My Compliments and; Be Safe !!! __________________ 'Fundamental truths' are easy to recognize because they are verified daily through simple observation and thus, require no testing.

October 28, 2013, 10:24 AM	#18
SPEMack618 Senior Member Join Date: June 21, 2010 Location: Central Georgia Posts: 1,863	Huzzah to your wife, sir. Great experience for the whole family. __________________ NRA Life Member Read my blog! "The answer to any caliber debate is going to be .38 Super, 10mm, .357 Sig or .41 Magnum!"

October 25, 2013, 04:47 PM	#2
JERRYS. Senior Member Join Date: September 23, 2013 Location: Alabama Posts: 2,968	that's so cool. looks like a couple more hunters in the future too.

October 25, 2013, 05:08 PM	#5
AllenJ Senior Member Join Date: December 11, 2009 Location: Northern California Posts: 1,766	Great job and congratulations. She looks very happy.

October 25, 2013, 05:27 PM	#6
Panfisher Senior Member Join Date: July 30, 2010 Location: Missouri Posts: 1,337	Smiling Happy Wife, Smiling happy kids, nice deer, what not to like. Congratulations to your wife. the day my wife took up deer hunting I became a "go getter", she shoots them I go gets them. Works well, makes her happy which makes me happy and she doesn't complain as much when I buy more stuff.

October 25, 2013, 06:05 PM	#7
Geezerbiker Senior Member Join Date: March 20, 2011 Location: Willamina, OR Posts: 1,908	Nice family and a deer. You sir are a lucky man... Tony

October 25, 2013, 06:09 PM	#8
BIGR Senior Member Join Date: June 13, 2000 Location: Mountains Posts: 1,385	Congrats to her

October 25, 2013, 06:41 PM	#9
NoSecondBest Senior Member Join Date: December 7, 2009 Location: Western New York Posts: 2,736	Congratulations on her first deer! One of the best reads on here tonight. Hope she gets many more and you two get to share of lot more memories like this one.

October 25, 2013, 07:47 PM	#10
shortwave Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2007 Location: SOUTHEAST, OHIO Posts: 5,970	Smiles for everyone! That's what it's all about. From the smiles on the young'ins faces I foresee some family hunting trips in the near future. Enjoy and cherish each one as they slip by sooo quickly.

October 25, 2013, 09:12 PM	#11
Sure Shot Mc Gee Senior Member Join Date: January 2, 2012 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,876	+2 on shortwave's words of wisdom. Congratulations from (MN.) on a job well done Ms.

October 26, 2013, 11:06 AM	#13
LOUD Senior Member Join Date: May 29, 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 236	Man that's great!!!! My hunting partner is my youngest step daughter( whom I love more than life itself). I have 3 daughters and a son, and no one had any interest in hunting so for many years I gave it up for work and career. One day the youngest girl said "Daddy why don't we hunt" ?I replied you never asked, since then we've shared so many great times and I love when she has a successful hunt . Its even better than when I get one! Ive taught her to shoot high power rifles from the time she was 9 . Her favorite weapon is the 270 . She is deadly accurate, and has killed many deer in the three years since we started hunting. I am so proud of her! Congrats on initiating a new hunter to the sport...........................................................LOUD

October 27, 2013, 04:20 PM	#14
2damnold4this Senior Member Join Date: August 12, 2009 Location: Athens, Georgia Posts: 2,526	Great job! Looks like hunting will be a family affair!

October 27, 2013, 08:11 PM	#15
David13 Senior Member Join Date: November 2, 2012 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 243	Muzzleloading is not rocket science. And is a lot more fun than rocket science. Nice. Very nice. dc

October 28, 2013, 01:16 AM	#16
mxsailor803 Senior Member Join Date: February 8, 2010 Location: SC Posts: 1,344	Nice first deer. My first was just a doe lol. Maybe you and your wife will get serious and decide to take a guided trophy hunt together for a anniversary lol. Hey, you can only hope lol.

October 30, 2013, 02:36 AM	#19
Keg Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2011 Location: Freestone County, Texas Posts: 1,133	Congrats to her! My wife loves to hunt.... __________________ Hog Hunters never die........They just reload.........

October 30, 2013, 08:26 PM	#20
Kreyzhorse Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2006 Location: NKY Posts: 12,463	That is awesome! __________________ "He who laughs last, laughs dead." Homer Simpson

November 1, 2013, 08:31 PM	#21
Chad.C Senior Member Join Date: July 15, 2013 Posts: 100	Congratulations I'm glad to hear that everything worked out well __________________ Life is not like a box of chocolates... It's more like a jar of jalapenos: What you do today might burn your a** tomorrow!