Lucky for me I have a couple friends who just happen to have access on a few small tracts of land in Sussex county. I made a pre-season scouting trip and settled on a small corn field with a wild apple tree along it's edge that the farmers planted around. I thought this would make a perfect scenario for setting up a ground blind
The shot was going to be close, about 13Yds. First morning and we are positioned waiting for ANY deer to stroll by 
There was a marked improvement of Tori's hunting skills this season. She was very alert and quiet and pretty motionless all in all for an 11 YO. I was a bit impressed. The real test was going to be when the deer showed up. Last season she came un-glued and shook violently making good shot placement a challenge and she actually missed deer with a rifle at 40yds!!! I never want her to loose that excitement, but I have been working on her controlling it until after the shot!!!
It was now approaching 9 AM and no sightings of any deer. I was beginning to second guess my set up with such limited viewing for such a young child, because I know seeing animals is what keeps them interested. Then I felt the excited tap on my shoulder..... DAD! There's a BEAR!!!! Yup..... sure was and a pretty big one and just 13 yards away!!!!
I snapped this photo with my phone
I also shot a small video with my phone and if you can view it the look on Tori's face is PRICELESS!!!!
We left the blind shortly after the bear decided to move on.
That afternoon we were back in the blind.....waiting..... and waiting......and waiting. Three hours later I was beginning to once again question my choice of hunting location. It was now getting to be PRIME time and the woods were becoming VERY silent. Then I saw it. A deer was approaching from the left and thru the corn. It was a BUCK!!! I told Tori there was a buck coming and she went into predator mode.... SO Damn cute!! She was silent and motionless and had the crossbow up to her shoulder and watched over her scope as she waited for a perfect shot. He took for EVER to come in!!! She was patient...... I was eager!!! Finally after what seemed like forever she told me she had a good shot. I said "UM..... well shoot him already!!"
The shot was Absolutely perfect and we heard the buck pile up just 40 yards from the blind!!! She jumped up from her stool and started to dance and shake all over and was just the happiest little kid ever!!!
What a great feeling. I have been very fortunate in the outdoor sports. I have hunted all over and have shot many,many trophy class animals. This young buck will forever be one of my favorite hunts
I hope we get the chance to share many more adventures with everyone. I believe Tori is off to a very positive start and she challenges me to be a good teacher. She now is focused on becoming more proficient with her compound. Jeez this girl keeps me busy!!! For now we are going to stick with the crossbow. Next year will be a different story. Good luck to everyone this hunting season. May all your shots be true!!!!
