MuleyMadness Hunting Forums

I thought that I had reached the pinnacle of my hunting experience last year when I harvested a 188 4/8 net typical mule deer. That was until a few days ago. My son who just this month turned 12, was able to participate in the muzzleloader hunt for his first hunting experience. Being the first year for me in the dedicated hunter program, I felt my main goal was to help my son harvest his first buck. When the first opportunity presented itself where a shot could be fired, my son declined the shot due to the length and angle of the two bucks. So, I couldn't resist taking the shot. Seeing two shooter bucks within shooting range doesn't happen every day. So I took the shot at the deer that presented me with the best vital view and harvested my first ever buck with a muzzleloader and another buck of a lifetime. I felt sick that night feeling like I had somehow cheated my son out of harvesting a buck of a lifetime. My son however was at peace with his decision. The next day I soon found peace with the decision as we ended up locating the other buck from the night before and my son ended up harvesting him. The results of the hunt greatly exceeded my expectations and this has become the hunt of a lifetime.

WOWSERS!! What a haul. You guys did real good. I'd say that a father-son trip to the taxidermist is in order.------SS

That trip occurred shortly after we got home. I just picked up my mount from last year a few weeks ago. When I was picking it up, the taxidermist jokingly said, "bring me another one soon." I think he was the only person more shocked than us.

Wow, flat out cool and impressive. Both awesome bucks, your boy must be on cloud nine. Congrats and thanks for sharing.

Very well done, congratulations on a couple great bucks. I can't imagine what it would be like to have a buck like that be your first!

Not sure it gets any better than that, congrats to both you and your son!

Good work gentlemen!

Couple of great bucks! Well done!

Couple of great bucks! Well done!

Thank you for all the comments. The one down side to harvesting a deer on the first day of the muzzeloader hunt and having my son tag out on the second day, is that I have to wait 300 plus days to do it again. The itch to get back out hunting mule deer has already set in.