Proud Dad, son's first deer

[45Badger]

My 12 year old shot his first deer yesterday @4pm Nice little 8 pointer, about 80 yards away, through the lungs with his .243 Win.

Everything was great until the neighbor said, "Hey- That's a nice first deer! You gotta get that mounted!" Not sure if this is the right time to explain to him that I can buy a new gun for that kind of money..... He's thrilled and happy, so whatever floats his boat is fine by me. I'm happy he's found enjoyment hunting. Hope it becomes a lifelong pursuit.

Please note the "high-water" bibs. They were a solid 2 inches long last season!!

 

[ks farmboy]

awesome. congrats.

 

[Legionnaire]

45Badger, pass my congratulations to your son. Good for him ... and you! And with you, I hope it becomes a lifelong pursuit for him. My son just turned 21 and he took his first deer at age 14. He's hunted regularly since, and has taken several. But once he hit college age, he hasn't had the time, and I'm afraid his interest is waning. He's still a shooter, though, and as a Marine Corps Reservist gets plenty of good range time. My hope is that after graduation, he'll have the time and inclination to hunt with his grandfather and me. So well done, and keep fanning the interest!

BTW, my 16-year-old daughter took her first deer this year after several years in the field. It was a nice doe, also taken with a .243. She's as pleased as punch (as am I), and she did a great job with the field dressing. So at least I have one partner for the next couple of years!

Oh, and where in PA were you hunting?

 

[Bitmap]

Excellent.

As for mounting, have you priced a European mount? If you aren't familiar, that is one with the skull and antlers on a plaque. At the taxidermist I use it is less than 1/3 the price of a shoulder mount. Still looks nice. You can get a kit and do it yourself but for the difference in price I'll pay a little more. You could also have just the antlers mounted. I don't know about the cost but I'll bet it is even cheaper than the European mount.

 

[.41 magnum man]

I would not have let my kid shoot that deer. I would have knocked him out of the way and shot it myself! Just kidding. Congratulations to you both!

Out of curiosity, what are going prices for a shoulder mount in Pennsylvania?

 

[carnaby]

Good work! I'll be happy when/if one of my kids takes to the woods with me