By now most of my loyal blog readers have probably written me off…and rightly so. Blogging has become…well, shall I say obviously not a high priority in my life. Gosh, I hate to admit that but between work, family and playing a bit in the out-of-doors there just has not been enough time to sit down at this computer and web journal about all the things currently on my mind as it pertains to the sportsman’s world.
I don’t know about you but this year—and especially this fall—went by WAY TOO FAST! I can hardly believe that we are about to put another year to bed and launch into 2008. Man, doesn’t it seem like just yesterday we were all concerned about Y2K and all the feared computer consequences? Now THAT life milestone was experienced a full eight years ago! Can you believe it…where does all the time go to?
Speaking of life’s milestones, I must do a little bragging here from this fall. Actually, I am not bragging about myself (I hate those sort of people), but giving some much deserved accolades to a young hunter who has made two fabulous achievements during the past 12 months. Recall back in November of last year I showed a picture of a young hunter who had shot his first trophy deer on my farm. Well, that 14–pointer gross scored at over 180 points and in the mind of most folks would be a once-in-a-lifetime “wall hanger.”
Well, this year Chris proved most of us deer pundits wrong again who told him not to expect great things two years in a row. Almost a year later to the very same day and hour he ended up shooting this monster. Again, the deer was taken from my farm and within 150 yards of where he shot the other deer last year. Truly incredible. Take a look at this trophy green scoring (with deductions) 163:
I’m inspired to know that in two consecutive years the land where I hunt has yielded a spectacular trophy to a much deserving young hunter. On the other hand, it is sort of depressing to accept the fact that I have hunted on this same 160 acres of land now for nearly 30 years and have yet to waylay an animal of this caliber.
It just goes to show you that success is a product of TIME, KNOWLEDGE and GOOD FORTUNE. In most cases you need some combination of each of these factors to score on a trophy such as this one. Chris put lots of time in hunting which was a key factor. He’s also learning a great deal about deer hunting which also added to his repeat achievement. But let’s face it, all of his hunting partners are expecting that after this year it’s about time the horseshoe falls out of some unspeakable body orifice. 
Here’s hoping that in 2008 “Lady Luck” chooses to shine favorably on this blogger and that it will be me in next year’s picture with a smile nearly as wide as my ears.
2007 Jim Braaten. All Rights Reserved. No Reproduction without Prior Permission.
Jim, I believe I saw this same picture in Outdoor News very recently. It’s great a young hunter can harvest this quality deer. I’m sure most hunters are at least a little jealous.
Great story! It is great to see young folks involved in hunting, and having success. I must say, I am a bit jealous that he could get two deer like this in consecutive years! It does always give us less fortunate souls hope to see such nice bucks, even if in the hands of other hunters
Wont’ be long and it will be hunting season again. Won’t belong and it will be spring, funny how life just flies right on by…