Each hunter remembers their first deer, and I took every step possible to help my grandson succeed. At just 10 years old, his arms were very short, and I searched for a rifle that would fit him. (Please be patient) I settled on an AR-style rifle even though I dislike them for hunting. He could shoot an Excalibur crossbow well, but using one in a heavily hunted rifle season didn’t seem practical. On the last day of the season, a one-antlered spike walked in front of him and stopped. Since this would be the boy’s first deer, it was legal under our club rules. The lad squeezed the trigger, but the rifle wouldn’t fire. The fault was mine because I quietly put a round in the chamber, but AR-style rifles don’t work that way.
2024 Almost Legal
Last summer, I began seeing a deer with two points on one side and a stub on the other. By our hunt club bylaws, a legal deer must have three points on one side. I caught the deer on camera throughout the season, and assumed it was the one-antlered spike from the previous year. Fast forward to this summer, and there is the buck shown in the lead photo with four points on one side and a “stump” on the other. For the 2025 season, I’ll continue to replenish the minerals it enjoys on the rotting stump and place a tree stand nearby. My grandson won’t be able to visit until the Thanksgiving holidays, yet it should be enough time for a “Stumpy” encounter.
Red Dot Quick Shot
My grandson was able to take this small 5-point last fall with his Excalibur crossbow at 35 yards using a Burris Fast Fire red dot scope. He’s a good shot, and now that he’s an experienced deer hunter, he must abide by club rules. Since “Stumpy” qualifies, and my grandson is three years older, it may make for an exciting season, and the Excalibur crossbow awaits his return.