Abby Himburg
SunSouth
Everyone starts out as a first time hunter. Some start out when they are very young, while others start later in life. For me, my first kill was this past year at the ripe age of 22. What’s the difference? Nothing. No matter your age, we were all first-timers at one point. Therefore, I think it’s safe to say that we can all appreciate the joys and pains of being a first time deer hunter.
Like I mentioned above, my first kill was last year at the age of 22. Honestly, it was my first real hunting season. My fiancé and I went probably 10 times last year and it wasn’t until the 6th or 7th time that I finally got the chance to get my first kill. It was so exhilarating and I’m officially addicted.
Expectations
We all have these grand expectations of the biggest buck you’ve ever seen stepping out of the thick woods into your beautifully prepared food plot, that you so diligently planted with your John Deere tractor a month ago. You’ve seen him on your trail camera, so you know he exists, but it’s half way into the season and you’ve seen nothing. You’ve moved from field to field and still nothing. Is it even worth going this weekend? I mean let’s face it, it’s cold and quiet out there and you would really like to sleep in on Saturday for once. Only those who are first-time hunters can really relate to this feeling. Why? Because they’ve never felt the thrill of the kill. Seasoned hunters know the feeling; therefore, they keep going. They persevere because they know the reward is so high.
We all have these grand expectations of the biggest buck you’ve ever seen stepping out of the thick woods into your beautifully prepared food plot, that you so diligently planted with your John Deere tractor a month ago. You’ve seen him on your trail camera, so you know he exists, but it’s half way into the season and you’ve seen nothing. You’ve moved from field to field and still nothing. Is it even worth going this weekend? I mean let’s face it, it’s cold and quiet out there and you would really like to sleep in on Saturday for once. Only those who are first-time hunters can really relate to this feeling. Why? Because they’ve never felt the thrill of the kill. Seasoned hunters know the feeling; therefore, they keep going. They persevere because they know the reward is so high.
Reality
So listen up rookies! Do not give up. The thrill of the kill is so worth it and you will never shoot anything sitting at home watching the best game in the SEC that weekend. You are sitting in your stand and you see a deer step out into the clear. Obviously, shooting a trophy buck would be nice, but as a first time hunter, your goal is to fill the tag and learn from the experience.
So listen up rookies! Do not give up. The thrill of the kill is so worth it and you will never shoot anything sitting at home watching the best game in the SEC that weekend. You are sitting in your stand and you see a deer step out into the clear. Obviously, shooting a trophy buck would be nice, but as a first time hunter, your goal is to fill the tag and learn from the experience.
The Shot
The moment you have waited for all season is here. Your deer is standing right in front of you. Slowly, you get your gun up and locate her in the scope. You wait until she stops and is grazing on your beautiful green food plot. Then, you line the crosshairs up just behind and above her front shoulder blade. Take the gun off of safety and breath in. This process seems as though everything is in slow motion and it lasts about five minutes, but in reality only 30 seconds has gone by. Your adrenaline is pumping and you can feel your heart beating out of your chest- which is why you really need to take your time and be sure you are ready to pull the trigger. Now, with your breath still in you, pull the trigger and then release your breath of air. Your ears are ringing (mine were really bad because I forgot to put in my earplugs) and your adrenaline is pumping even harder. The doe drops to the ground…you got her! This is the thrill of the kill. This moment is what you have so diligently and patiently prepared for.
The moment you have waited for all season is here. Your deer is standing right in front of you. Slowly, you get your gun up and locate her in the scope. You wait until she stops and is grazing on your beautiful green food plot. Then, you line the crosshairs up just behind and above her front shoulder blade. Take the gun off of safety and breath in. This process seems as though everything is in slow motion and it lasts about five minutes, but in reality only 30 seconds has gone by. Your adrenaline is pumping and you can feel your heart beating out of your chest- which is why you really need to take your time and be sure you are ready to pull the trigger. Now, with your breath still in you, pull the trigger and then release your breath of air. Your ears are ringing (mine were really bad because I forgot to put in my earplugs) and your adrenaline is pumping even harder. The doe drops to the ground…you got her! This is the thrill of the kill. This moment is what you have so diligently and patiently prepared for.
The Clean-Up
You shot your deer, now what? Now the fun begins. Go get your John Deere Gator- that you purchased from your local SunSouth- and load your kill up in the back. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share it with us on Facebook. You just might be featured on our social media pages. So, now you need to place your gun in the gun rack you bought to go on your Gator- if you haven’t bought one yet, go get one. By having a gun rack on your Gator you can safely and easily transport your kill without having to hold onto your gun. You should be ready to take your deer to your local processor now. This is favorite part because you get to choose what meats you want. I like to get summer sausage and eat it with crackers and cheese. It makes for a great snack.
You shot your deer, now what? Now the fun begins. Go get your John Deere Gator- that you purchased from your local SunSouth- and load your kill up in the back. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share it with us on Facebook. You just might be featured on our social media pages. So, now you need to place your gun in the gun rack you bought to go on your Gator- if you haven’t bought one yet, go get one. By having a gun rack on your Gator you can safely and easily transport your kill without having to hold onto your gun. You should be ready to take your deer to your local processor now. This is favorite part because you get to choose what meats you want. I like to get summer sausage and eat it with crackers and cheese. It makes for a great snack.
There you have it folks… the joys and pains of being a first time deer hunter. Hunting is such a rewarding experience and can be for anyone at any age. Just be sure to have your license and wear your orange. You never know when a game warden might visit you. I hope you have a safe and successful season!
Here's a picture from last season when I shot my first deer.
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