Like many youth around the state, this is my son's first year to hunt. He has been sitting with me for several years, but this is his first year to actually pull the trigger. Earlier this year he bagged his first hog. Now it's time to get his first deer, of course for him, he wants the BIG buck!  We have had a few chances, but the situation wasn't right for the shot. Finally, this past Sunday, the 30th, he had his chance. Sunday morning, the deer were moving. We saw several does and bucks.  This is our first year of management on my buddy's place, so we are trying to cull out as best we can this first year.  We have several young, promising deer. Next year should be a great year. Unfortunately for my son, most of the deer we were seeing Sunday morning fell into that category. Finally, a big eight point walked out behind a tree. I could tell my son's heart rate was going ninety to nothing, but I think mine was beating even faster. He finally walked out from behind the tree. Then, the air was let out of my sails. It was only a two and a half year old deer. Too young!  My son's heart, along with mine, was crushed. Although he was very upset, I know he understood. I have been teaching him management since he was old enough to understand what I was talking about. But that doesn't make it any easier. As I was trying to console him, I looked up. Jackpot!  A big spike walked in. I got the gun set up again. My son sat ready, waiting for me to give the word. I grabbed my video camera and waited. Finally, the spike moved broadside. Just as I said to take the shot when he was ready, in walked two does. You gotta be kidding me! The spike started chasing them for what seemed like an eternity. In the disparity, I should have taken the gun from Brady. He had been holding it for several minutes by now. Finally, the does ran off and the spike proceeded to come back into range. It was on a dead walk, so I yelled at it. It stopped. I told Brady to take the shot. Just at that time, it started walking away again. Again,I yelled at it. Again, it stopped!  Again, I told Brady to take the shot. Finally, a third time it started it to walk away. Once again, I yelled. Once again, it stopped! I pleaded with Brady to take the shot. "I can't" he replied. "I can't keep the gun steady. My arms are tired!" My heart sank as the spike walked off. I was so excited and preoccupied keeping the deer in range, that I didn't have him rest for a second before repositioning the gun. Even though he was dissappointed, of course not more so than me, he was ecstatic to see so many deer. All in all, it was a great morning.  And we know where to come back and find them! There is nothing more exciting and rewarding than to see your children get as pumped up about hunting as you do. It is a heritage that we need to continue to pass down to future generations. I hope everyone had a Happy New Year, and  I look forward to 2008!