Opening day of the Michigan firearm deer season I managed to drop a big 9 point with a 19" spread, the best buck I've taken in 30 years of deer hunting. Last weekend I was out with my 11 year old son sitting with me. Just before dark we caught a nice doe sneaking out of the thick stuff. I always donate my first deer of the year to a local mission and I wanted to put some venison in the freezer so I dropped her. My son jumped up with his hands in the air yelling "YEAH!!!! WE GOT ONE!!!!! WAY TO GO DAD!!!!!" He did a yeoman's job of helping me dress her and drag her back to the house. When I tucked him in bed that night he looked at me and said "Dad, I'm going to remember this day for the rest of my life." The 9 point is going to look nice on the wall but that doe has a pretty special place in my heart. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Jeff

I think you know what the better trophy is. Wonderful story, Ski.

Without a doubt the second deer is the better trophy. You gave your son something he will always remember. It's good to take a big buck, but the excitement in a young person's eyes after their first taste of a successful hunt is something money can't buy. A trophy deer hunt can always be bought, but the hunt with you son is priceless.

I took my nephew out after antelope a few years back and he dropped a yearling doe with my 243. I'll fight any man alive that tries to tell me that doe wasn't the finest trophy taken in the state of Colorado that year.

Congrats on the hunt and may you share many more with the young man. He will be the future of our sport and lifestyle.

Mac

By far the second, you will remeber that for life.

You know the answer, and that is just great!!!!

I have a bunch of grandkids who think the only thing worth doing are watching TV and playing Nintendo, or some such shit. I do have one who likes to go fishing, but last year he was along when I shot a wild hog:
he thought it was OK, but liked the fishing better.

That is just great! My fondest memory in the field was when my dad watched me shoot my first deer at the age of 12. I gave him a bad time in camp that night since he had not shot a deer yet. So what did he do, he shot a bigger one the next day!

Again, TWO great trophies this year!!!

RF

Your right on, the 9 point pales in comparison.

The real trophy is your son. Beautiful story. He now has the hunting bug like his father. Once you have it you can't get rid of it. Best wishes

Hcliff