wtnhunt Posted October 21, 2004 Report Share Posted October 21, 2004 My 8 year old asked me a good question the other day and got me to thinking. She asks if we can both get a deer on the opening afternoon of our muzzleloader season. Really hoping I take mine that morning. Several questions started coming to mind. I know the chance of her getting a shot on a doe will be pretty good, and there have been 7 or 8 different 1.5 year old bucks using our minerals, NONE of these are shooter deer for me, but she might have a good chance on one of them. I am limiting her shots to under 75 yards and here is where the mix of scenarios could be interesting. Here is a scenario: I have a good mature buck out in the field last good shooting light at approximately 120 yards out and he is following a doe back towards the woods away from you. You have tried calling and the big buck shows no interest. The gun is very accurate and I have practiced with it out to 150, there is a younger buck in the plot out in front of us both are offering great broadside shot opportunites. Chances of seeing the mature buck again with the rut coming are not certain, but it is possible. Chances of seeing more of the little guys around is really good. The daughter has a great shot on this 7 point 1.5 year old at about 60 yards. Not saying this will happen, but really got me to thinking it could. So what do you do honestly? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dogdoc Posted October 21, 2004 Report Share Posted October 21, 2004 Re: What would you do? A chance at a big mature buck doesn't come along too many times. I'd take the mature buck then let your daughter take a doe/younger buck the next day. todd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted October 21, 2004 Report Share Posted October 21, 2004 Re: What would you do? i'd shoot the shooter your little girl will adapt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJ Posted October 21, 2004 Report Share Posted October 21, 2004 Re: What would you do? I would have to say let the kid have at it. If they got a little buck or doe, I would want that to be the center of attention by myself and family. Even if she dropped the little buck and the bigger one came back a couple minutes later, I don't know that I would shoot. Its their time to bask in glory, not mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VTbowman Posted October 21, 2004 Report Share Posted October 21, 2004 Re: What would you do? It may sound selfish, but given the senerio you layed out, I would take the bigger deer and just take her hunting again.. JMO If your gonna see 1.5 year old deer all day long, just about everytime out, then she will get her opportunity as well.. Heck maybe even that same time/day... For me, in VT, we do not see big rack deer ever, so it would be a no brainer for me. Your area might be different but thats what I would do . Honestly.... Besides is it so bad to have to take your kids out more then once...? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted October 21, 2004 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2004 Re: What would you do? [ QUOTE ] Besides is it so bad to have to take your kids out more then once...? [/ QUOTE ] Actually she does get out with me quite a bit during the muzzleloader and rifle seasons. Chances for her to have an opportunity on a doe or a younger buck would be good. In all honesty at this point I would rather see her get her first deer than take one myself. I have taken plenty of deer, but this is a nice mature buck that you might or might not ever see again. My confidence in her ability to make a good shot on the mature deer at that distance is just not good enough to risk possibly injuring him. Remember this would be the opener of the muzzleloader and there would be a lot of season still left. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fisherguy Posted October 21, 2004 Report Share Posted October 21, 2004 Re: What would you do? I would take the big guy. Like you said theres lots of does and small bucks. Just another lesson for her about the waitning game hunting can be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnf Posted October 21, 2004 Report Share Posted October 21, 2004 Re: What would you do? I would aim at both. Let her shoot, and if the brute looks to see what's going on, nail him. If he bolts then give the praise to your baby girl, and let her get her hands a little dirty. I've got some friends who hunt from the same blind and often shoot two deer at the same time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PAbowhunter4life Posted October 22, 2004 Report Share Posted October 22, 2004 Re: What would you do? I agree. Keep your crosshairs on the HAWGS shoulder. Odds are after your girl shoots he's going to pause for a few seconds and look your way before he figures out what's going on and bolts. If not, thank the Lord for the great day in the field with your daughter and give thanks for her first deer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superguide Posted October 22, 2004 Report Share Posted October 22, 2004 Re: What would you do? Let her shoot the big deer-when I hunt with my kids they get first crack at whatever deer we decide to take. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horst Posted October 22, 2004 Report Share Posted October 22, 2004 Re: What would you do? Well actually thats tough, but Id probably let her take the little buck.like you said, the ruts coming and theres a lotta season left, you might see the big one again but shes only going to get one first deer.When I took Austin out this year I got him an early season license and me a late season license.That way I wouldnt have the chance to be tempted into shooting at anything and the whole hunt was focused on him and him alone.Beleve it or not a scenario similar to this was in my mind before I bought him a license and influenced my decision quite a bit.Good luck and go get em Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rhino Posted October 22, 2004 Report Share Posted October 22, 2004 Re: What would you do? [ QUOTE ] This is a no brainer! Let her shoot the lesser buck! I'm a dad with a 5 year old daughter myself and any father knows that there is no other feeling in this world that is more satisfying than sharing special moments with your kids! That small buck would mean more to both of you than you shooting that big buck ever will. [/ QUOTE ] Well said Scrub Hunter. Having gone through this with my own son, I totally agree with you. Don't forget to take the camera. It's a moment you'll want to save for the rest of your lives. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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