This weekend was the Youth Gun Deer Hunt in Oklahoma. I got to take by 11 year-old grandson out the first evening. When he got home from school I had our shooting bench and target set up so he could take some practice shots with the .243 and the 90 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip ammo I had loaded for that gun (not reduced loads, either). He shot three times--nearly hit the bullseye and all three holes were almost touching. "You're ready," I told him--he's always been a good shot.

As we drove to the buddy stand I reminded him of our self imposed rules concerning what size bucks were shooters and that he could take a large doe, without fawns, as well. Not long after settling in at our stand a pretty nice 7 point buck came in, but he wasn't a shooter, and he was OK with that. Later a larger buck came in that was a shooter and he was getting ready to take the shot when something startled the younger buck and both deer bolted away. I told him that they might come back since we hadn't been busted by them. Later the young buck came back, but not the older. Then three does came in I told him he could take the largest doe. He made an absolutely perfect shot and the doe fell in her tracks. He was so excited, but me even more so.

When we got down from the stand to check out his deer, he said, "Granddad, I'm always lucky when I go with you." He also told me how much he liked the .243 and the ammo I loaded. I reminded him that the gun would one day be his and you could see the joy in his face.

He helped with field-dressing and then with skinning, and then, one last time he said, "Thank you Granddad for taking me hunting." I was truly a proud grandfather!

That is the absolute best time in the field!!

Now, about the "KODAK Moment"....pics??

Congrats to both of you! Backstrap on the grill!

Bob

Congratulations to your Grandson and you too. Puts a BIG SMILE on my face just thinking about it.

A very nice tale with a great ending. Congrats.

quote:

Originally posted by Hot Core:
Congratulations to your Grandson and you too. Puts a BIG SMILE on my face just thinking about it.

+1 on that!
Also,
The older I get, the more I appreciate respect and gratitude when exhibited by youngsters.
Best to you, his folks and your grandson.

GWB

Congratulations, you both did very well! This is what we all need to do more.

I have not yet reached grandpa age but enjoy more and more when my own kids do the hunting. The reward for me is when all the training and coaching pays off.

Weidmannsheil and a resounding "Well Done!" to the skillful and fortunate young hunter!

To Granddad, that was a great story. Being a grandpa sure has its rewards!

- mike

Doesn't get any better than that does it? Just wait, in twenty years he'll be taking you hunting.
This is the definition of quality time.

Rich

Thanks for the comments. Sorry I didn't have any photos of him with the doe he just killed. Below is a photo of the first deer he ever shot (2007 season). It was a 10 point--70 yards--fell in it's tracks also. (You know, that .243 ain't a bad deer rifle!)

Good stuff!

Thats a fine lad right there.You should be proud Gramps!!!!