Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: Pathfinder101 on October 17, 2016, 01:53:13 PM

Title: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 17, 2016, 01:53:13 PM: My youngest son (little Pathfinder) has been watching my older son and I trek into the woods for opening day since he was old enough to talk. When he was 6 he started asking me when he was old enough to start hunting. I did what I had done when PathfinderJR had started asking me that question. I brought home the WDFW Hunter Education manual and told him that when he was old enough to read a chapter and tell me what it says, then he will be ready to hunt. Last spring he turned 9 years old and he came to me and said that he was ready. After having him read and explain Chapter One, I started taking him to the range to shoot is brother's hand-me-down Marlin Youth Model .308. I bought a few boxes of Hornandy SST 125 gr Reduced Recoil rounds and started him on round targets at 100 yards. I was surprised how well the rounds held their group and soon had him shooting at longer ranges off a rest.
To make a long story short, he took and passed Hunters Safety 2 weeks ago. All this summer we have been shooting his youth model .308 and scouting for his upcoming first deer season. After passing his test, we spent a few more hours out on the rifle range to ensure that he was completely confident with his rifle, checked our trail cameras one more time, and got ready for opening day.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 17, 2016, 01:53:45 PM: The day began early with a 4am wake up call, a half hour drive and a 2-plus mile hike, including a steep climb in the dark that took us to the top of the ridge that is our glassing point. As daylight approached we began looking over every dot and crevice with binoculars and spotting scopes and before long we began to see deer. The piece we hunt most often is a section of public land that can only be accessed through 3 surrounding farms, so while access is limited, there are usually other hunters on it as well. Not long after daylight we spotted a herd of deer with a decent 3 point buck tagging along. As we began the long, looping circle to get downwind of them we noticed a truck and three other hunters park at the edge of the field and start walking in the direction of the same herd from the opposite angle. We dropped out of sight of the deer and when we reemerged, they were gone. We saw the other hunters trot over the opposite ridge and heard 4 shots fired. Disappointed, we sat for a while and waited. Before long, the 3 hunters walked back to the truck and drove away, so we assumed they missed. As you can imagine, the little guy was pretty disgusted at this point.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 17, 2016, 01:54:45 PM: PathfinderJR was about a mile to our west, glassing towards us. After the disappointment with the first herd, we called him up and asked if he was seeing anything. He said that he had seen a buck drop into a draw about ¾ of a mile to our south and it hadn’t come out. We decided to head in that direction and see if we could locate him.
After slowly working our way south and setting up and glassing for an hour and a half, we spotted a pair of does in a deep draw that we couldn’t see the bottom of. Hoping the buck was in the bottom out of sight, we set up. I was carrying a set of tripod shooting sticks and I set Little Pathfinder up so that he could shoot from a kneeling position, then we started glassing the draw. Eventually a couple more does showed themselves and started feeding up the draw towards a saddle that would take them within 240 yards of our position. As we watched them, I had him look through his scope and asked them if he felt steady. He said he was a little wobbly, so I took off my coat and put it under the rifle to pad it. He said that was much better. After a while I decided that we should get up and move to a location where I could see the bottom of the draw. As soon as I stood up, I spotted two sets of antlers directly below me in the grass, less than 150 yards away. We locked eyes and they had me pegged so I sat back down quickly, hoping they would not spook. They were in grass too tall, with too steep an angle for a shot, and when I peeked through the grass again, they were gone. Presumably back down into the bottom of the draw.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: jackelope on October 17, 2016, 01:57:52 PM: If this story drags on too long, I will consider banning you. This is going to be great.

:yike:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Timberstalker on October 17, 2016, 01:58:11 PM: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Molon5labe on October 17, 2016, 01:59:27 PM: Is this the one I saw on IG this morning?
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 17, 2016, 02:19:51 PM: I knew we had put the deer on alert with my stupid little move, but now we saw activity in the bottom of the draw and saw a herd of does begin up the draw towards the saddle where we were set up for the shot. As the lead doe appeared on the hill across from us, I ranged her at 328 yards. A few seconds later 4 does and a buck appeared to take her place. We had seen this buck on our trail cameras before so I recognized him right away. We had nicknamed him Garbo because he was always eating garbanzo beans whenever we got pictures of him. His current route looked like it would take him through the saddle 240 yards away.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 17, 2016, 02:22:07 PM: These are the trail cam photos we have on him from last month. Luckily, I don't think Little Pathfinder was looking at the antlers...
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 17, 2016, 02:22:52 PM: Then all the deer stopped. From their angle, we were silhouetted on top of the hill and they had us spotted. For the next two minutes we were locked in a stare-down with no one moving and me afraid to breathe. I knew they were exactly 328 yards from us, and Little Pathfinder's rifle has yardage markings out to 400 yards on the scope. After a few minutes the deer turned around to head back down into the draw. Knowing that we were about to lose our opportunity, I asked if he was steady. He said he was, and I asked him if he could make the shot. He looked up from his scope at me and nodded. “Ok, gentle squeeze.” I reminded him.
I was watching through my spotting scope when the rifle went off. I saw the impact of the round hit is shoulder and the buck dropped immediately in his tracks. After watching for a few seconds, I could still see him lying and kicking a little, but not getting up.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 17, 2016, 02:27:20 PM: “Connor.” I said. “You just shot Garbo.”
I probably don’t need to describe the celebration that ensued over the next 30 seconds. 9 years old, first buck, 328 yard shot…. Little Pathfinder doesn't weigh very much, but that tackle-hug nearly knocked me over. I am sure the whooping scared every deer out of the valley.
As we made the 300 plus yard walk up to him, I watched and waited to see his reaction when he got his first good look at the 4x4 double drop tine rack. Speechless he just stood there for a few seconds until I reminded him to touch the eye and check the buck for life. It took some coaxing to get him to move.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 17, 2016, 02:30:28 PM: After a prayer of thanks, a long photo session and a hands-on, father/son lesson in field dressing (along with big brother who hiked over to help us celebrate), we drug him out to the truck (luckily all downhill), and made a “victory lap” so he could show off his buck to the other deer camps that share our area. He was still so excited that he could barely tell the story coherently, but that just made the story all that much better to hear.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 17, 2016, 02:34:15 PM: I don’t have the words to describe how blessed and proud I feel after this weekend. There are a few events that burn into your memory forever, and I know this will be one of them. As long as I live, I will never forget the look on his face when he first grabbed and hoisted those antlers and looked at me in awe at what he had just accomplished. The only word I can think of that sums this up is “humbled”. I am humbled at what God has given us this weekend.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 17, 2016, 02:36:11 PM: A few more pics
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: huntnphool on October 17, 2016, 02:36:20 PM: Outstanding!
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 17, 2016, 02:38:03 PM: Quote from: Molon5labe on October 17, 2016, 01:59:27 PM
Is this the one I saw on IG this morning?
Yes, it probably is. I posted it Saturday night.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Timberstalker on October 17, 2016, 02:38:14 PM: Unreal. What an awesome animal, great write up and one helluva shot!

Has he even slept since this all went down? :chuckle:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Holg3107 on October 17, 2016, 02:38:32 PM: so much awesome in this thread! Awesome buck!!! Double dropper for your first buck, kind of spoiled him with this one!

Great shot and congrats Little Pathfinder!
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Bigshooter on October 17, 2016, 02:39:15 PM: Good job. :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Widgeondeke on October 17, 2016, 02:40:05 PM: Great buck. Congrats young man.

That is a GREAT smile :)
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 17, 2016, 02:44:33 PM: Quote from: Timberstalker on October 17, 2016, 02:38:14 PM
Unreal. What an awesome animal, great write up and one helluva shot!

Has he even slept since this all went down? :chuckle:

Not much. He goes to sleep talking about it and wakes up talking about it. The cool thing is that his 4th grade teacher is a hunter herself, so he got to bring a fist full of pictures to school this morning to show her.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: elkboy on October 17, 2016, 02:58:21 PM: The first pic in Reply #11 is about the best trophy pic I have ever seen! That is awesome!

Congratulations to little Pathfinder and to the rest of the Pathfinder team!
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: WSU on October 17, 2016, 03:09:14 PM: Quote from: elkboy on October 17, 2016, 02:58:21 PM
The first pic in Reply #11 is about the best trophy pic I have ever seen! That is awesome!

That was my exact thought when I saw it. I'd have that photo printed and framed immediately!
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: WAcoueshunter on October 17, 2016, 03:15:29 PM: Quote from: WSU on October 17, 2016, 03:09:14 PM
Quote from: elkboy on October 17, 2016, 02:58:21 PM
The first pic in Reply #11 is about the best trophy pic I have ever seen! That is awesome!

That was my exact thought when I saw it. I'd have that photo printed and framed immediately!

Yup, I was thinking that pic had magazine cover written all over it! What an awesome photo.

Congratulations to the young man! :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: quadrafire on October 17, 2016, 03:16:14 PM: Quote from: elkboy on October 17, 2016, 02:58:21 PM
The first pic in Reply #11 is about the best trophy pic I have ever seen! That is awesome!

Congratulations to little Pathfinder and to the rest of the Pathfinder team!
I agree. That photo is awesome
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: MtnMuley on October 17, 2016, 03:16:23 PM: Way to go crew :tup: :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: quadrafire on October 17, 2016, 03:17:09 PM: He looks to be "long arming" it a bit though. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 17, 2016, 03:34:19 PM: Quote from: quadrafire on October 17, 2016, 03:17:09 PM
He looks to be "long arming" it a bit though. :chuckle:

Just a little. But out of excitement.... :chuckle:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Yelper Guy on October 17, 2016, 03:34:45 PM: Good work & congratulations on a hunt well done!
The bar has been set extremely high now.
Isn't Wa. state having a competition for a youth hunter themed cover for the regs next year, or did I dream that?
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: quadrafire on October 17, 2016, 03:35:40 PM: Quote from: Pathfinder101 on October 17, 2016, 03:34:19 PM
Quote from: quadrafire on October 17, 2016, 03:17:09 PM
He looks to be "long arming" it a bit though. :chuckle:

Just a little. But out of excitement.... :chuckle:

I think that pic should make next years Big game hunting booklet cover. :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: jjhunter on October 17, 2016, 03:37:20 PM: Couldn't get much better than that! Good job, dad!
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 17, 2016, 03:42:59 PM: Quote from: Yelper Guy on October 17, 2016, 03:34:45 PM
Good work & congratulations on a hunt well done!
The bar has been set extremely high now.
Isn't Wa. state having a competition for a youth hunter themed cover for the regs next year, or did I dream that?

Thanks guys. I'll have to look into that. I remember it being announced a few years ago, but haven't seen anything recently. I'll have to look at WDFW's website...
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Rainier10 on October 17, 2016, 04:16:19 PM: Congratulations to you both. Great write up and photos. Memories for a lifetime for sure.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: jackelope on October 17, 2016, 04:26:35 PM: Quote from: quadrafire on October 17, 2016, 03:17:09 PM
He looks to be "long arming" it a bit though. :chuckle:
His arms are about a foot long!!
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: jackelope on October 17, 2016, 04:28:32 PM: More amazing youth hunters. I'm really glad. This is the sort of thing that makes all the Hunt-Wa craziness worth it.
Thank you for sharing. These threads make me smile.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 17, 2016, 04:37:18 PM: Quote from: jackelope on October 17, 2016, 04:28:32 PM
More amazing youth hunters. I'm really glad. This is the sort of thing that makes all the Hunt-Wa craziness worth it.
Thank you for sharing. These threads make me smile.

Yeah, it's so much better when the season is "all about the kids". I have a late whitetail tag, so I am able to just concentrate on the boys this year (PathfinderJR doesn't need much help anymore at 17... but I'm going to torture him by tagging along for one more year before he's gone in college...).
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: beave on October 17, 2016, 04:53:20 PM: :tup: :tup: :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: brew on October 17, 2016, 05:21:01 PM: as a HE instructor it gives me a sense of pride seeing the new generation hunting....we are losing new hunters due to many things-peer pressure, video games, home computers, loss of hunting area etc., etc.,...makes my day seeing youngsters enjoying the outdoors...great job little man :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: bearhunter99 on October 17, 2016, 05:29:35 PM: Great story and beautiful buck! Congrats to the young hunter!

And to his "guide" :tup: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: cbond3318 on October 17, 2016, 05:34:32 PM: Fan "freaking" tastic! Another priceless smile to tell the story!! Congratulations! :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Becky on October 17, 2016, 05:35:50 PM: Quote from: WAcoueshunter on October 17, 2016, 03:15:29 PM
Quote from: WSU on October 17, 2016, 03:09:14 PM
Quote from: elkboy on October 17, 2016, 02:58:21 PM
The first pic in Reply #11 is about the best trophy pic I have ever seen! That is awesome!

That was my exact thought when I saw it. I'd have that photo printed and framed immediately!

Yup, I was thinking that pic had magazine cover written all over it! What an awesome photo.

Congratulations to the young man! :tup:

Yessss same same same :yeah: :yeah: :yeah: fantastic pic, and I love that surprised look in reply 10. So cute and all around great job!!
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: jackmaster on October 17, 2016, 05:44:30 PM: Little dude looks like he is riding a dirt bike!! The smile says it all , congrats little pathfinder
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: JLS on October 17, 2016, 05:48:28 PM: Absolutely love the emotion you captured in the photos. What a great story. Fist bUmp to the little man!
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Bob33 on October 17, 2016, 06:26:30 PM: Another outstanding story by Pathfinder.

Congratulations and thank you for sharing another wonderful experience with us.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: tgomez on October 17, 2016, 06:43:07 PM: Way to go little man! That's a great buck, congratulations!!!!💪😁👍
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Muleyslyr on October 17, 2016, 07:04:13 PM: Awesome! Unbelievable first deer for the kid. Congrats to all you guys.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: lokidog on October 17, 2016, 07:11:31 PM: :yeah:
Awesome X2!!!
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: PlateauNDN on October 17, 2016, 07:12:36 PM: Awesome 6x6 :tup: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Dan-o on October 17, 2016, 07:22:09 PM: :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: go4steelhd on October 17, 2016, 07:22:47 PM: This makes me smile :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: stew pidasso on October 17, 2016, 07:54:56 PM: Way cool. Nice job
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Ghunt on October 17, 2016, 09:27:32 PM: Nice looking buck! Awesome for the little man! :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: swwaoutdoorsman on October 17, 2016, 09:42:46 PM: Way to start off! :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: curlewkiller on October 17, 2016, 09:47:44 PM: This is just awesome. I had a similar experience with my son and his first deer. My old man was there and passed away this summer. I will never forget it. Good on ya Pathfinder :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Wacenturion on October 18, 2016, 04:09:30 AM: Awesome! :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: fowl smacker on October 18, 2016, 04:39:55 AM: This has possibly been my favorite post I've ever read on here. That is so awesome, and the smile on his face says it all. Nice work guys!
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Skyvalhunter on October 18, 2016, 06:08:42 AM: Congrats
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: kellama2001 on October 18, 2016, 07:47:01 AM: This was the best success write up this season! Absolutely awesome to see all the hard work he (and dad) put into the hunt and after being blessed with a great buck, awesome to see the humble thankfulness. It's good to know there are parents out there raising their kids right and creating a lifelong genuine hunters. Congrats to all! :tup: :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: pianoman9701 on October 18, 2016, 08:54:25 AM: What an awesome thing for you two to have shared. And, the buck and shot are amazing!!!! :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: jackelope on October 18, 2016, 09:13:49 AM: Quote from: PlateauNDN on October 17, 2016, 07:12:36 PM
Awesome 6x6 :tup: :chuckle: :chuckle: :chuckle:

Not a 6x6. That's a 4x4 with eyeguards and droptines.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: jackmaster on October 18, 2016, 09:23:04 AM: I guarantee that the pic of him behind the buck with that big smile will win any contest entered!! There is NO WAY he doesn't make the cover of next years huntn regs :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 18, 2016, 09:30:28 AM: Quote from: brew on October 17, 2016, 05:21:01 PM
as a HE instructor it gives me a sense of pride seeing the new generation hunting....we are losing new hunters due to many things-peer pressure, video games, home computers, loss of hunting area etc., etc.,...makes my day seeing youngsters enjoying the outdoors...great job little man :tup:

I am a Hunter Education Instructor as well. I would say that the biggest problem we have is loss of hunting areas. I qualify about 40 kids a year in my high school class and along with 2 other instructors we qualify another 60 or so in classes out at the gun club. A lot of my students don't come from hunting families and don't have a place to hunt. They always ask me where to go. I feel bad sending them to the same FFTH places, but I don't know what else to tell them anymore...
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 18, 2016, 09:31:04 AM: Quote from: jackmaster on October 18, 2016, 09:23:04 AM
I guarantee that the pic of him behind the buck with that big smile will win any contest entered!! There is NO WAY he doesn't make the cover of next years huntn regs :tup:

Thanks everyone. I will look into the Hunting Reg thing today when I get a spare moment.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: boneaddict on October 18, 2016, 09:42:06 AM: Kid is ruined for life. :chuckle: My first buck was a spike. Like 7 inches long. I thought for sure it was the biggest spike ever. Um, I've killed how many bucks, some pretty good ones at that. Never a double dropper. :rolleyes: 8) :chuckle:
Congratulations!
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: 724wd on October 18, 2016, 12:46:58 PM: fan-freakin'-tastic!!! :tup: :tup: :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: L8NITE on October 18, 2016, 12:51:39 PM: WOW young man that is an absolute dandy first deer :tup: You have set the bar high on that one...definitely made a lot of hunters jealous including myself! Way to getter done...and heres to many more sucessful hunts!!! Great job to dad as well for getting him out there :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: flatbkman on October 18, 2016, 01:08:23 PM: Fantastic !!!!!
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 18, 2016, 01:45:51 PM: Quote from: Pathfinder101 on October 18, 2016, 09:31:04 AM
Quote from: jackmaster on October 18, 2016, 09:23:04 AM
I guarantee that the pic of him behind the buck with that big smile will win any contest entered!! There is NO WAY he doesn't make the cover of next years huntn regs :tup:

Thanks everyone. I will look into the Hunting Reg thing today when I get a spare moment.

I can't find anything on WDFW website right now regarding submitting photos for next year's regs. If anyone sees or hears anything, please let me know and I will submit a photo. Maybe they don't open it up until a while after the seasons close... :dunno:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: jackmaster on October 18, 2016, 02:11:57 PM: Quote from: Pathfinder101 on October 18, 2016, 01:45:51 PM
Quote from: Pathfinder101 on October 18, 2016, 09:31:04 AM
Quote from: jackmaster on October 18, 2016, 09:23:04 AM
I guarantee that the pic of him behind the buck with that big smile will win any contest entered!! There is NO WAY he doesn't make the cover of next years huntn regs :tup:
bone will know :tup:

Thanks everyone. I will look into the Hunting Reg thing today when I get a spare moment.

I can't find anything on WDFW website right now regarding submitting photos for next year's regs. If anyone sees or hears anything, please let me know and I will submit a photo. Maybe they don't open it up until a while after the seasons close... :dunno:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Eli346 on October 18, 2016, 05:01:14 PM: It just doesn't get much better than that!
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Damnimissed on October 18, 2016, 07:04:41 PM: Great buck, great write up, and great parenting!
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Watimberghost on October 18, 2016, 07:37:04 PM: That is so great! I'm so happy for your little man! Congrats dad :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: jackmaster on October 18, 2016, 08:14:05 PM: Just so you know little pathfinder my daughter who is 18 now :'( said your the cutest lil hunter she has ever seen!!!
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 18, 2016, 08:29:37 PM: Quote from: jackmaster on October 18, 2016, 08:14:05 PM
Just so you know little pathfinder my daughter who is 18 now :'( said your the cutest lil hunter she has ever seen!!!

I'll let him know (but I won't say anything to his 17 year old brother...) ;)
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: hunting4sanity on October 18, 2016, 08:33:06 PM: This is probably the best hunting report I've read since .................. well, ever. There are some truly amazing photos you've got there, it's great to see that much genuine excitement. Congratulations!
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Gonehuntin01 on October 18, 2016, 08:56:30 PM: Very awesome. Amazing write up. That is what it is all about. You and your sons will never forget that moment. Good to see you getting out there with your kids. Congrats to the "little man", and to you for doing it right.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: fishngamereaper on October 18, 2016, 09:02:30 PM: Awesome...You created a monster. Doesn't he know your supposed to start small, its all down hill from here. :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Northforker on October 18, 2016, 09:09:16 PM: The smile on Little Pathfinder's face says it all! Congrats!!
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 19, 2016, 09:49:26 AM: Another note on this buck. I missed him last year during archery season when he was a 3 point. There is no reason I should have missed: 22 yard shot out of a ground blind, he was calm, didn't see me draw, didn't jump the string. The only explanation I can think of is that I skipped the arrow off the bottom of the window frame of my ground blind. I have spent most of the year puzzling over why I missed that buck.
Now I know why. I think God was saving that deer for my little guy.
Here are a couple of trail cam pics of him last year when he was a screwy looking 3 point. You can see how his right antler is starting to develop what would turn (this year) into one of his drop tines. It's hard to see in velvet, and I don't have any hard-horned pics of him, but what looks like his G5 is actually tipped downward.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 19, 2016, 09:56:10 AM: Little Pathfinder tagging his buck. He insisted we fill out the tag before taking pics. :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: rosscrazyelk on October 19, 2016, 05:01:36 PM: Congrats to you and your son. Great buck
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: jackmaster on October 19, 2016, 05:45:00 PM: Has little dude come down from the massive deer killn high yet? :chuckle: little pathfinder is probably wanting to whack a big bull elk now I bet? !!
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: couesbitten on October 19, 2016, 07:52:40 PM: So awesome, reminds me of when my son shot his first buck, it's been 10 years, but I remember it like it was yesterday, greatest hunt of my life! Congratulations to you and your son, I know how excited and proud you are.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: jackmaster on October 19, 2016, 08:02:49 PM: Quote from: couesbitten on October 19, 2016, 07:52:40 PM
So awesome, reminds me of when my son shot his first buck, it's been 10 years, but I remember it like it was yesterday, greatest hunt of my life! Congratulations to you and your son, I know how excited and proud you are.
its funny you say that because my son was 9 when he got his first deer, a dink compared to little pathfinder :chuckle: but a buck none the less, we couldn't get my son to ride any where except the back of the truck with his buck :chuckle: and now he leaves for Iraq in January (82nd airborne) !! It's just awesome to me that little pathfinder has brought back a ton of memories just by having that huge success smile and riding that buck like a dirt bike :tup: I show everyone I can the pics, especially non hunters and show them and tell them this is what ITS ALL ABOUT :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: BIGMIKE on October 19, 2016, 10:46:52 PM: Very nice first deer in deed, your story and the pictures shared is exactly what makes living in USA second to none. Good job bro. Congrats to the little man. Keep hammering!
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: csaaphill on October 19, 2016, 11:59:12 PM: :tup:
congrats to the little pathfinder and you too sir that's one trophy for sure.
Love all the write up you have shared here. the Caribou one and now this OMG. :yike: :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 20, 2016, 08:08:52 AM: Quote from: jackmaster on October 19, 2016, 08:02:49 PM
Quote from: couesbitten on October 19, 2016, 07:52:40 PM
So awesome, reminds me of when my son shot his first buck, it's been 10 years, but I remember it like it was yesterday, greatest hunt of my life! Congratulations to you and your son, I know how excited and proud you are.
its funny you say that because my son was 9 when he got his first deer, a dink compared to little pathfinder :chuckle: but a buck none the less, we couldn't get my son to ride any where except the back of the truck with his buck :chuckle: and now he leaves for Iraq in January (82nd airborne) !! It's just awesome to me that little pathfinder has brought back a ton of memories just by having that huge success smile and riding that buck like a dirt bike :tup: I show everyone I can the pics, especially non hunters and show them and tell them this is what ITS ALL ABOUT :tup:

Jackmaster,
No, not completely down from his high yet. He was just starting to come back down to earth and then we spent last night boiling the skull for the wall. He ran around for 10 minutes this morning before school trying to figure out the best place in the living room to hang it (apparently we will be rearranging some decor... :chuckle: ).
Congrats to you son, I am a retired Army Paratrooper/Ranger/Jumpmaster and spent a little time at Fort Bragg myself. I will say a prayer for him today that he stays safe and his unit has a good deployment. Tell him "All The Way!" for me.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 20, 2016, 08:10:13 AM: Quote from: BIGMIKE on October 19, 2016, 10:46:52 PM
Very nice first deer in deed, your story and the pictures shared is exactly what makes living in USA second to none. Good job bro. Congrats to the little man. Keep hammering!

Thanks Mike. Great to hear from you :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: jackmaster on October 20, 2016, 08:28:06 AM: Quote from: Pathfinder101 on October 20, 2016, 08:08:52 AM
Quote from: jackmaster on October 19, 2016, 08:02:49 PM
Quote from: couesbitten on October 19, 2016, 07:52:40 PM
So awesome, reminds me of when my son shot his first buck, it's been 10 years, but I remember it like it was yesterday, greatest hunt of my life! Congratulations to you and your son, I know how excited and proud you are.
its funny you say that because my son was 9 when he got his first deer, a dink compared to little pathfinder :chuckle: but a buck none the less, we couldn't get my son to ride any where except the back of the truck with his buck :chuckle: and now he leaves for Iraq in January (82nd airborne) !! It's just awesome to me that little pathfinder has brought back a ton of memories just by having that huge success smile and riding that buck like a dirt bike :tup: I show everyone I can the pics, especially non hunters and show them and tell them this is what ITS ALL ABOUT :tup:

Jackmaster,
No, not completely down from his high yet. He was just starting to come back down to earth and then we spent last night boiling the skull for the wall. He ran around for 10 minutes this morning before school trying to figure out the best place in the living room to hang it (apparently we will be rearranging some decor... :chuckle: ).
Congrats to you son, I am a retired Army Paratrooper/Ranger/Jumpmaster and spent a little time at Fort Bragg myself. I will say a prayer for him today that he stays safe and his unit has a good deployment. Tell him "All The Way!" for me.
i will for sure and thank you!! Do you miss it as much as I do ??
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: dmoua on October 20, 2016, 09:27:04 AM: :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 20, 2016, 09:34:13 AM: Quote from: jackmaster on October 20, 2016, 08:28:06 AM
Quote from: Pathfinder101 on October 20, 2016, 08:08:52 AM
Quote from: jackmaster on October 19, 2016, 08:02:49 PM
Quote from: couesbitten on October 19, 2016, 07:52:40 PM
So awesome, reminds me of when my son shot his first buck, it's been 10 years, but I remember it like it was yesterday, greatest hunt of my life! Congratulations to you and your son, I know how excited and proud you are.
its funny you say that because my son was 9 when he got his first deer, a dink compared to little pathfinder :chuckle: but a buck none the less, we couldn't get my son to ride any where except the back of the truck with his buck :chuckle: and now he leaves for Iraq in January (82nd airborne) !! It's just awesome to me that little pathfinder has brought back a ton of memories just by having that huge success smile and riding that buck like a dirt bike :tup: I show everyone I can the pics, especially non hunters and show them and tell them this is what ITS ALL ABOUT :tup:

Jackmaster,
No, not completely down from his high yet. He was just starting to come back down to earth and then we spent last night boiling the skull for the wall. He ran around for 10 minutes this morning before school trying to figure out the best place in the living room to hang it (apparently we will be rearranging some decor... :chuckle: ).
Congrats to you son, I am a retired Army Paratrooper/Ranger/Jumpmaster and spent a little time at Fort Bragg myself. I will say a prayer for him today that he stays safe and his unit has a good deployment. Tell him "All The Way!" for me.
i will for sure and thank you!! Do you miss it as much as I do ??

I have since the day I left it. I spent the second half of my career in Recruiting. That was a family decision, not my personal choice. If it had just been me, I would have gone back to being a Ranger as quickly as possible.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: jackmaster on October 20, 2016, 09:38:31 AM: Quote from: Pathfinder101 on October 20, 2016, 09:34:13 AM
Quote from: jackmaster on October 20, 2016, 08:28:06 AM
Quote from: Pathfinder101 on October 20, 2016, 08:08:52 AM
Quote from: jackmaster on October 19, 2016, 08:02:49 PM
Quote from: couesbitten on October 19, 2016, 07:52:40 PM
So awesome, reminds me of when my son shot his first buck, it's been 10 years, but I remember it like it was yesterday, greatest hunt of my life! Congratulations to you and your son, I know how excited and proud you are.
its funny you say that because my son was 9 when he got his first deer, a dink compared to little pathfinder :chuckle: but a buck none the less, we couldn't get my son to ride any where except the back of the truck with his buck :chuckle: and now he leaves for Iraq in January (82nd airborne) !! It's just awesome to me that little pathfinder has brought back a ton of memories just by having that huge success smile and riding that buck like a dirt bike :tup: I show everyone I can the pics, especially non hunters and show them and tell them this is what ITS ALL ABOUT :tup:

Jackmaster,
No, not completely down from his high yet. He was just starting to come back down to earth and then we spent last night boiling the skull for the wall. He ran around for 10 minutes this morning before school trying to figure out the best place in the living room to hang it (apparently we will be rearranging some decor... :chuckle: ).
Congrats to you son, I am a retired Army Paratrooper/Ranger/Jumpmaster and spent a little time at Fort Bragg myself. I will say a prayer for him today that he stays safe and his unit has a good deployment. Tell him "All The Way!" for me.
i will for sure and thank you!! Do you miss it as much as I do ??

I have since the day I left it. I spent the second half of my career in Recruiting. That was a family decision, not my personal choice. If it had just been me, I would have gone back to being a Ranger as quickly as possible.
i feel your pain brother and have since the day I left, well now you have pathfinder jr and little pathfinder to carry on for you!! Well if pathfinder jr wants work for Clinton..lol.. anyways sorry for getting off topic, I sure am enjoying this thread, gotta be the best success of the year IMO !!
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Timberstalker on October 21, 2016, 01:50:13 PM: More awesomeness! Great times here Pathfinder. :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: whacker1 on October 21, 2016, 03:54:12 PM: super cool, congrats to you and the young man!
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Kit Carson on October 21, 2016, 04:05:23 PM: Awesome! :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: bowhunterforever on October 21, 2016, 06:46:02 PM: Great buck, congrats young man :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: REHJWA on October 21, 2016, 07:56:23 PM: Awesome!! Congratulations and thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on October 27, 2016, 01:00:37 PM: Got the skull all painted up with peroxide. Should be done tonight... :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on December 15, 2016, 10:08:17 AM: Got Garbo up on the wall last week. Little Pathfinder shows everyone that comes near the house. :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: pianoman9701 on December 15, 2016, 10:24:01 AM: Wow, that was fast. Looks great.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on December 15, 2016, 12:07:10 PM: Quote from: pianoman9701 on December 15, 2016, 10:24:01 AM
Wow, that was fast. Looks great.

Thanks. We do our own. Boil and pick. :tup:
Actually, the skull has been done for a few weeks, we just got around to making the plaque and hanger last weekend.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Timberstalker on December 15, 2016, 12:08:26 PM: Turned out awesome!
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on April 24, 2017, 12:07:19 PM: Update: At the urging of a lot of you on this site, I submitted a much shortened version of this thread to Eastman's Hunting Journal for the Younger Generation segment. Imagine my son's surprise when we got our issue in the mail yesterday and he saw this.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: 724wd on April 24, 2017, 12:15:23 PM: :tup: :tup: :tup: super cool!
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: bowhunterforever on April 24, 2017, 12:23:20 PM: Awesome :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Woodchuck on April 24, 2017, 12:28:28 PM: Perfect. :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Skillet on April 24, 2017, 12:46:35 PM: Two kids, two magazine articles! Great year for you all, and I'm marking 2016 as the beginning of the Pathfinder Dynasty.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Rainier10 on April 24, 2017, 12:50:35 PM: Sweet. :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: tgomez on April 24, 2017, 01:44:27 PM: Awesome man! You should frame that article for him. That is truly outstanding.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on April 25, 2017, 04:31:50 PM: Quote from: Skillet on April 24, 2017, 12:46:35 PM
Two kids, two magazine articles! Great year for you all, and I'm marking 2016 as the beginning of the Pathfinder Dynasty.

:chuckle: :chuckle: :tup:
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Pathfinder101 on April 25, 2017, 04:32:32 PM: Quote from: tgomez on April 24, 2017, 01:44:27 PM
Awesome man! You should frame that article for him. That is truly outstanding.

I will :tup:

Thanks for the kind comments and support folks.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Watimberghost on April 25, 2017, 04:40:34 PM: That pic makes me smile every time I see it! A very cool thing for the two of you.
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Muleyslyr on April 25, 2017, 07:58:38 PM: Awesome! Very cool!
Title: Re: Little Pathfinder Scores on First Buck- Double Drop Tine 4x4
Post by: Dan-o on April 25, 2017, 08:31:58 PM: VERY COOL!