Thank you to this forum and it’s members. 1st deer down.

[mcrawfordaf]

I grew up in a long line of fishermen. None of my parents, grandparents or great grandparents were hunters. I decided to break that line and started big game hunting last season. I ate that tag and learned A LOT. I have no mentor and no hunting partner. Everything it took to down this buck I learned from you folks here and reading books. For as heated as this forum can get sometimes y’all can be damn helpful. I appreciate each and every tip I’ve been given, piece of advice or even just the lurking around on the wealth of information that can be found here.

I know he’s not the biggest and the majority of the folks here would even pass on him. But after nearly two weeks of putting in more effort on one singular task than perhaps my whole life - he was a shooter. He rode my bike down 3 miles to the gate and I couldn’t be happier. Thank you to all you fine forum members.

[Encore 280]

Excellent job!!! He's gonna be in your memory bank forever!!! Excellent grub right there!! Well done!!

[Mulie87]

He doesn’t have to be a 5x5 to be a shooter trophy. A trophy is what you want it to be. You will always have this memory. My first buck was a 3x2 mule deer that I call shorty because  his eye guard was barely legal, but he was mine and a trophy in my eyes. Well done sir and congrats!

[kramman]

Nothing wrong with that as a 1st deer. Mine was a spike. You'll always remember your 1st. Congrats

[WapitiTalk1]

Boom. Nice work mister.

[Pinetar]

Great job and Congrats on a fine trophy

[highside74]

I'd say killing a buck of any size in your second year with no in person mentor is a great job and something to be proud of. Congrats

[baldopepper]

MAke sure you hang onto those horns. 30 years from now they'll still be bringing a smile to your face.  Nice job!

[fishnfur]

   Congrats on the quick success.  All the hard work suddenly comes to fruition.  That buck is almost identical to the buck I killed last year.  Sometimes just getting it done becomes the primary mission.  Some years you'll likely find yourself holding out and risking tag soup just to have a chance at a bigger buck.  I'm happy for you.

[elkboy]

Nothing wrong with that as a 1st deer. Mine was a spike. You'll always remember your 1st. Congrats

My first deer was a spike as well.  I still remember him with as much pride and satisfaction as any deer I've ever harvested.  Great meat, great memories.  Congratulations to you! 

The fact you took him out like that on a bicycle reminds me of a certain Patrick McManus story: "My first deer, and welcome to it".  Go look it up!  Some of the best material that McManus ever wrote.   

[jrebel]

Fantastic.....This right here is what it's all about.  Getting out there and getting after it.  Nice job sir...hope you have many more years of great success. 

[duckmen1]

Love your post and success story. Congrats on finding success, learning the ropes and getting out there and enjoying the new experiences. Great job.

[Gentrys]

Congrats.  Trophy or not, it'll be a greaty memory.

[riverrun]

Nice post and glad you were able to fill your tag. Nice buck!

[Naches Sportsman]

Doesn’t matter the size or the sex of your harvest as long as your content or what you harvest. Congrats on a great buck.