My first buck

[Eric Bailey]

My first hunt (at age 39) was a solo backpacking muzzleloader trip to the Holy Cross wilderness in unit 45. I was lucky and thankful to get this buck. I was taking 5 steps at a time then waiting when a group of three bucks got up from their morning bed to have a snack not 30 yards away. This guy was the biggest and I was delighted to harvest him.

I had to make a solo trip this year because I didn't have a single friend interested in hunting. That is until my friends heard my stories and figured that if I could do it, they could. I expect to have 3 friends join me for a hunt this time next year. I can't wait!

 

[muleman]

Congrats on a nice buck.

 

[PhillyB]

Congrats on a quality buck

 

[IrishnId]

Congrats on getting out and hunting! Nice buck.

 

[Snipershirt]

Congrats brother...great buck!

 

[Nick Muche]

I am impressed, congrats man! I bet that was a good feeling.

Don't forget to smile next time, you earned it.

Glad to hear about your friends, hold them to it, they just may enjoy it alot! That's what its all about anyhow, nice to share hunts with buddies.

 

[TRIPLE]

Excellent way to start your hunting career. That's a first buck anyone can be proud of. I'm sure next year a hunting partner (seasoned or new) wont be hard to find.

 

[Sam Millard]

Nice job!

 

[Shrek]

Thats a great first buck ! Actually , it's a great buck period ! Just wait until you go to the grocery store and just breeze by the meat counter , that's another great feeling. I eat venison 5 to 7 days a week and I don't really enjoy beef anymore as it's too greasy and heavy. Recruiting 3 more hunters is awsome also.

 

[Jdog]

Sweet!

 

[Shrek]

How did you get started hunting so late in life ? What got you interested ? Most guys start with family , I didn't but I always had the fire to fish and hunt despite my family. If you would like to share I know I'm interested in the story. You don't see many guys starting at 39 years old.

 

[HOT ROD]

That's a nice buck. Congrats

 

[whiskey 1]

Good buck man, and congratulations on getting started successfully.

 

[AitchAr]

First hunt; DIY backpack; great buck...awesome. Congratulations!

 

[rhendrix]

That's a sweet buck, I like the palmation before his forks, really freaking cool. Congrats buddy!

 

[realunlucky]

Very nice buck nothing like being self taught and being rewarded with a fine animal

 

[Eric Bailey]

Shrek - I have a four year old boy. He is always asking me to teach him things. Recently, he asked me how I would be able to teach him everything he needs to know before I go up to the sky. He is a sweet kid. I wanted to be able to teach him to hunt if he wanted to. And I guess I wanted him to be proud of me. That is what got me started. Now, I'm hooked.

 

[muleman]

Shrek - I have a four year old boy. He is always asking me to teach him things. Recently, he asked me how I would be able to teach him everything he needs to know before I go up to the sky. He is a sweet kid. I wanted to be able to teach him to hunt if he wanted to. And I guess I wanted him to be proud of me. That is what got me started. Now, I'm hooked.

What a great reason to get started. Kids are amazing. I exposed my kids to hunting and animals being butchered at a young age. They would say this is where the yummy meat comes from when seeing a skined carcass. My exposure is begining to pay off. In just a couple of days my 12 year old daughter will go on her first hunt with tag in hand.

I congratulate you again on a fine animal and thanks for thinking of the next generation.

 

[CrzyTrekker]

Beautiful buck Eric! And what a beautiful area to hunt in. Congratulations!

Eric

 

[In God We Trust]

You did it the right way my friend. Congrats on a smoker buck. Doing it on your own makes it that much more impressive. Welcome to the hunting community.