I have a friend named Joe who is a big hunter and has invited me to hunt on his property. I went a couple days last year, but only saw a couple does and couldn't get a shot off. This year, I shot a spike (buck with just the beginnings of antlers) in the leg on opening day (Friday), but after tracking it for a couple of hours, the trail went cold and clearly not a mortal wound.
On Saturday I took Khai with me, and he was so excited all week leading up to it. We sat in the blind all morning, but didn't see a single deer. We moved the blind to another spot in the afternoon into the woods and hoped for the best. Khai did a great job staying quiet all day (not just when sleeping!), which is really saying something for a 9-year-old boy; and especially for THIS 9-year-old boy!
Just before dark, a young spike appeared just 35 yards right in front of us (the easiest spot to shoot towards and close enough even I wouldn't miss!). I got him right through the heart (my very first deer). I told Khai to be sure and thank Heavenly Father later and he corrected me that "We should do it right now" and I needed to pray with him, too.
As we started to walk towards the deer, I told Khai to stay behind me for safety in case the deer was still alive. After a few steps, I turned around and saw him holding a large branch in both hands. When I asked why he had it, his response was simply matter-of-fact "for back-up." I love that fearless boy!
11 comments :
So fun. What a great father son activity. I love how Khai prayed to find a deer to shoot. Maybe Scott should have tried that when he went deer hunting. To this day he always complains about how he never even saw a deer the times he went hunting. :-)
That is so awesome!!!! I shot a deer about a month ago but my arrow must have hit his shoulder blade because it stuck in him as he ran off and I never found him. That's so cool that Khai got to go with you and do such a great job.
Love this because of Khai's great smile and great faith! Glad you got the meat, too.
Haha, Khai, you are so awesome! Congratulations on the deer!
Grandpa is SO Proud of both of you! Mark, I think you remember the last buck I shot was with you when you were 14. We cleaned it, took it home, dug out the pit and burnt a half pickup load of wood for the coals, then quartered, double wrapped the quarters and pit barbequed the meat overnight. When we dug it up and took it home, the meat just fell off the bones. We ate venison for several months after that. Remember? Love you all.
Grandpa
What an amazing father-son experience! Sounds like you are raising an awesome kid! We miss you Michigan family!
So glad you shared! Love the sweet moments we enjoy with our children.
It sounds like Khai was afraid that if you didn't find a deer he may have to be on the chopping block haha (Old Testament). These pictures remind me of Oklahoma! It's great to see a father and son being men!
LOL Peter
Thanks for uploading this Mark! What a fun trip, isn't the faith of a child a wonderful thing!
So....... when are we gunna have some of that venison mailed to US to enjoy...??
-oh, and I gotta say, I loved Greg's Humblebrag, just casually mentioning he hunts with a BOW, like a REAL man!
:-D
I loved reading about how Khai's prayers were answered, and how you both remembered to thank Heavenly Father! Thank you for an uplifting story-- so proud of my handsome nephew and my wonderful brother! You make a good dad, Mark!
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