***Regret***

[Antlers86]

Feeling really selfish and regretting this evening's hunt. Took my 5 yr old with me hoping my target deer would show and we experience the hunt together. Target travels with a group of 6 other bucks and 4 Doe. Well 7:10 I had 4 Doe show up and 1 by 1 here come the bucks. All are young and inside 13" except for my target buck and 1 other 3.5 yr old 8pt. Every single one came in but my target. My son sat and watched all within 10 yds from a ground blind I put together today after church. 4 bucks came within 5 yds and each took a turn on a scrape directly in front of us. Not once did they spook. I had my compound as well as a crossbow in case pigs came out for my boy. Now we are home and I am sitting here regretting not ever thinking about letting my boy shoot his first deer let alone a nice 115"-120" 8pt.

Was a neat experience for him and I both. From scrapes to sparring one another right in front of us.

Him shooting that deer would have meant way more to me than me shooting my target buck. I know there is still a lot of season left.

[curtintex]

What a great experience being able to watch deer at 5yds. He'll remember that too. Nothing to regret.

[flywise]

Long season

[mikep453]

Has he mentioned being ready to shoot his first buck? He probably enjoyed just being able to spend the time with you. Like the other said there is still a lot of season left.

[Kurdawg]

Plenty of time left, let him get one next time.

[ACbob]

Easy on yourself dad. You'll have some other regrets come along soon enough. Good job on spending time with your son. That's the take away here, especially since he might not even realize he missed something.

[lovemylegacy]

Go back tomorrow...hooky day

[talltexasshoote]

Time spent is enough. Let him enjoy the experience. You do too.

[Antlers86]

Yes many times. "I want to shoot a big buck like dad!"

I said pig first but this evening's opportunity was picture perfect.

[TreeCrab]

Don't beat yourself up. That's why we call it hunting and not killing. I'm sure he had a blast. Good work dad!

[curtintex]

Yes many times. "I want to shoot a big buck like dad!"

I said pig first but this evening's opportunity was picture perfect.

It shouldn't be easy....let him earn it like you have.


I hunt some big deer every year....I have vendors that'll pay for trips to wherever I want to go. I could afford to put my girls on monsters anytime I want.....It shouldn't be that easy. They can work for it just like I have.

[Pedernal]

I believe that sitting and watching the the wildlife with you will be as rewarding as killing his first buck in due time. No regrets necessary IMHO.

[12RingKing]

I think you did a good thing for him. It'll teach him patience.

[curtintex]

I believe that sitting and watching the the wildlife with you will be as rewarding as killing his first buck in due time. No regrets necessary IMHO.

I agree 100%. The deer I've killed haven't been "special"....the time I spent with my dad in a stand or leaning against a tree were memories for a lifetime.

[Antlers86]

Not the best pic.