11yo sons first deer.

[BH107]

This year was my sons second year hunting under Montana’s apprentice hunting program… last year he put in the miles and passed on some smaller bucks, saying he wanted his first deer to be a “good one”.

This year he was even more prepared, shooting quite a bit this summer and hitting steel in the field at 400yds in his first shot… boy did that give him confidence.

Opening morning of youth we were 3 miles into going after another deer when we found this buck… we watched him bedded for a bit, then moved into 200 yards which was a chip shot for him. Funny thing is he didn’t look this good in the spotter as he never turned his head towards us. We were both blown away when we walked up on a 160” buck. Needless to say he has set the bar high.

 

[rookieforever33]

This year was my sons second year hunting under Montana’s apprentice hunting program… last year he put in the miles and passed on some smaller bucks, saying he wanted his first deer to be a “good one”.

This year he was even more prepared, shooting quite a bit this summer and hitting steel in the field at 400yds in his first shot… boy did that give him confidence.

Opening morning of youth we were 3 miles into going after another deer when we found this buck… we watched him bedded for a bit, then moved into 200 yards which was a chip shot for him. Funny thing is he didn’t look this good in the spotter as he never turned his head towards us. We were both blown away when we walked up on a 160” buck. Needless to say he has set the bar high.

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Good buck for anyone with a wall full. Congrats

 

[JRay]

Gotta appreciate the persistence! Excellent buck!

 

[Cahunter805]

Awesome buck! Congrats to your son and you on some great memories made.

 

[Juan_ID]

Very cool, congrats to you both. My 9yo daughter just wrapped up Hunter’s Ed last night, looking forward to her first hunting season in 2025.

 

[elkguide]

Love that smile!
What a great start.

 

[hoyt-guy]

Wow great first buck! Suppressors are a game changer for youth learning how to shoot. My son just started shooting this past summer, and I had him ringing steel at 350+ with my suppressed 7mm. The reduced recoil is key for these young kids when learning IMO.

 

[jzeblaz]

This year was my sons second year hunting under Montana’s apprentice hunting program… last year he put in the miles and passed on some smaller bucks, saying he wanted his first deer to be a “good one”.

This year he was even more prepared, shooting quite a bit this summer and hitting steel in the field at 400yds in his first shot… boy did that give him confidence.

Opening morning of youth we were 3 miles into going after another deer when we found this buck… we watched him bedded for a bit, then moved into 200 yards which was a chip shot for him. Funny thing is he didn’t look this good in the spotter as he never turned his head towards us. We were both blown away when we walked up on a 160” buck. Needless to say he has set the bar high.

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Awesome! Congrats to both of you!!!

 

[ReddingArcher]

That’s so awesome!! Congrats to you and your son!

 

[jeffpenland123]

He will never forget that deer. What rifle/caliber was he using?

 

[BH107]

He will never forget that deer. What rifle/caliber was he using?

It is a Bergara 6.5 Creedmoor in a Manners Compact stock. I also have a Bergara 22LR action that I dropped in the stock to shoot all summer long. He got really good at shooting the centers out of clays at 100yards from all different positions. It wasn't a cheap setup, but great adjustability and something he can grow into. At the same time I can extend the stock and shoot it easily as well. I'll probably make some tweaks for next year but overall it worked great.

 

[Rich M]

This year was my sons second year hunting under Montana’s apprentice hunting program… last year he put in the miles and passed on some smaller bucks, saying he wanted his first deer to be a “good one”.

This is why his first deer is so nice. Lots of adult hunters could learn from this - set your goals and stick to them.

Congratulations to your son - well done!

 

[iashow]

Congratulations, well done!

 

[RS3579]

Congratulations!

 

[sierracharlie338]

Freaking outstanding. Congrats to him on a great deer!