What's that about beginner's luck? ;)

[MidwestMatthew]

Following up on my previous threads - today was the first day of Illinois firearm deer season and my first time ever to go hunting of any kind.

I got to my stand about 6:30. Sat there for 3 hours, gradually realizing I wasn't dressed nearly warm enough. Saw at least 15 to 20 deer a ways off, and at least 5 that were just barely beyond my comfortable range. Lots of shots all around, but they faded gradually and I saw fewer and fewer deer myself.

Then, from the totally opposite direction of where I expected, a small buck came trotting across the field. I bleated quick to get him to stop as I snatched on my hearing protection. Bleated again to get him to stop once more as I aimed - then fired at 60 yards and he dropped without another step.

I was aiming for the high-shoulder area, but evidently only nicked the shoulder as a follow-up shot was required. Field dressing went well except that I evidently didn't cut around the "exit" just right and had to cut out some of the pelvic bone to get everything out. Got him in to the processor where they said he wasn't very big, but would be good eating.

So, that's my first hunt. I'm sure I did all kinds of things wrong, but God blessed with safety and a successful first foray into the woods, and I'm very much looking forward to my first taste of the venison!

Thanks to those here who offered advice - it was very helpful!

 

[MCgunner]

Congrats! Now, to learn to process your own.

 

[MidwestMatthew]

Congrats! Now, to learn to process your own.

That's on the radar for next time.

 

[MCgunner]

Ask Santa for a LEM meat grinder.

 

[Panfisher]

Good shooting sir. Field dressing that first one is usually an experience you don't forget.

 

[3212]

Congratulations,nothing like experience to give you confidence.I hear butt out tools are nice.

 

[gspn]

So, that's my first hunt. I'm sure I did all kinds of things wrong, but God blessed with safety and a successful first foray into the woods, and I'm very much looking forward to my first taste of the venison!

I'm smiling reading this. I'm really happy for you. Great job on learning, preparing, and executing this hunt.

Now...you need some venison recipes!!!

 

[Kingcreek]

Congratulations!
I've probably killed 70 deer or more but I still remember my first one. I was by myself and it took me over an hour to field dress him.
In your other thread I believe I gave the advice to dress warm and stay put, even after the action seems over.
Illinois whitetail is the best eatin too btw.

 

[armedwalleye]

Good job, and a big +1 on the Butt Out tool, esp on younger deer. Bring some string as well. Once you pull the animus tissue out, tie it off and pull it back in, proceed to gut as normal.

 

[AABEN]

Well you do NOT tell any one where you was NOT even your best friend! Thanks the LORD you had a very good day.

 

[Doc7]

Congrats!

I am in my first real hunting season and have been out 10 times now and haven't seen a single deer, so good for you to see so many.

 

[ontarget]

Awesome, welcome to the club. There is something almost spiritual about harvesting your own meat instead of buying it at the store. Btw, did you get the adrenaline rush you were concerned about?

 

[BigBore44]

^^I'm curios about that as well. Sounds like he might have a little since his shot placement was a little off. But still a great success. Congratulations.

 

[der Teufel]

Nice Work

Everyone (well, I do at least) learns various field dressing techniques by doing. You got the job done, you've some ideas for improvement, you're on your way.

As much as I enjoy hunting, there's also satisfaction when you sit down at the dinner table to enjoy a meal that you brought home from a hunt.

Congratulations!

 

[MidwestMatthew]

ontarget and BigBore44, I wasn't aware of any adrenaline rush, and felt very calm both before and after the shot. I think my placement was off due to an aiming error more than anything else; in hindsight he was probably a bit too far away for me to distinguish the shoulder blade accurately (at least without more experience observing how deer move, etc.)

Also in hindsight, I seem to have an impression of having squeezed the trigger with a little more of a yank than usual. So it's possible I may have been just a wee bit pumped after all.

One thing is sure: the "hunting bug" has bitten me badly, and I can't wait to get out again!

 

[Nature Boy]

That is awesome!!!!!!

 

[BigBore44]

MidwestMatthew,
There is no shame in admitting excitement. Hunting is VERY primal. Those primal "feelings" are not easily quelled. Nor should they be. Also, taking the life of an animal to feed your family is not something one should take lightly. A life has ended so you and yours can continue. Again, well done. And welcome to the hunting experience.

 

[Gtscotty]

There is no shame in admitting excitement. Hunting is VERY primal. Those primal "feelings" are not easily quelled. Nor should they be. Also, taking the life of an animal to feed your family is not something one should take lightly. A life has ended so you and yours can continue. Again, well done. And welcome to the hunting experience.

Very true, hunting flips an ancient primal switch buried way down deep under piles of cultural conditioning and learned behavior. I kind of pity people that never give it a try.

OP,

Congrats on your first successful hunt! It's a great feeling to finally get one on the ground, and just as satisfying to fix up a dinner composed of meat you yourself brought home.