What would you do?

[Rich M]

It all depends.

If the boy is all excited, take him after the monster. If not, go shoot big buck and then take him after buddy’s deer.

If you gotta shoot the big one and kid is excited, go for buddy’s deer and then your big one.

You get to live with your decision. If you screw the kid over it might bite you in the future.

 

[HairyScandinavian]

After reading that ^

OP, Chase the big buck and let your boy shoot it. Then go find yourself another one. Be sure to express your gratitude to your friend and let him know that you may take him up on it if your other buck gives you the slip.

...to follow up on this. IME raising three boys, they're going to be way more excited to "chase a monster" with low odds of killing than to go execute an easy to find buck. It makes a difference for them just as it makes a difference for us, they're just a miniature version of us afterall.

 

[KKoenig1105]

My personal opinion is if I could get my kid in the field, I'd never think twice. I have two daughters that are still too young to legally hunt in most western states so I'm not there yet but I believe I wouldn't think twice and would take them to hunt a deer. Especially if they are excited about going.

 

[gledeasy]

We went and had a good time. It was the right call. We'll go out again next week, this time with a rifle.

A huge camp took over the area where the buck my friend found was coming in. The bucks I have been chasing have been MIA.

Found an unusual rock today lol

 

[gledeasy]

My boy filled his tag opening day of the early rifle season. As one who had spent a lot of time watching these deer, it wasn't the one I wanted him to get. However, my boy said it was big enough for him and that's all I needed to hear.

 

[chancey]

Congrats! Man I can’t wait until my son is old enough to get after it!

 

[Rich M]

Good deal Daddy-o!