From First group to First Buck

[Wayne]

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The day has been coming for some time now. This morning Kristin, Michael, Charlie ( My labby ) and I get set for our hunt. Last time we ran out of time due to exams, but today we were going to get Kristin her buck, and if possible, one for Michael as well. Bag packed with oranges, water, extra ammo, range finder, Bino's, knife and off we go.

After about an hour we eventually get a chance, but we are in catch 22, no trees to use for cover, grass too long to see buck clearly when using bi-pod. Only option is stay lying down and kraal, and that is what we did, 20 min later we are in a good position, Blesbuck are curious, not sure what, but they suspect something. Get a front on shot offered at about 100m, safety off, and for some reason, buck snorts and off they go.

About 1/2 hour later, after following them and moving from tree to tree and getting some chances, nerves getting in the way, buck run off etc etc and they join the main herd, eventually we get a position of height on the buck, the problem is they are 202m from us, but in open space and we have a big rock as a rest. we discuss the things she did when she shoots the 200m gong at home, the .243 is set zero at 200m. We sit, relax and watch as they mill around, some lie down. Good for us, they are unaware of where we are, The ram moves into a clearing, nothing behind him. Bolt is closed safety on. Kristin gets ready, says shes happy, I give the go ahead, safety off and ....... dup. Buck arches and jumps forward, group mills a bit, STRESS levels rise, a little panic sets in, reload, I watch and see him stagger, tell her to open bolt, and She then sees her first buck fall.

The reaction and whole experience was priceless and will savor for ever. We thank the Lord for these times.

The 2 photos are : the shot placement and the other is a proud young girl (12) with her first buck.

[Dwight375]

Very nice story , well told!

We taught my sister to shoot from when she was very young, she still enjoys it today!

I have a similar story when she shot her first blesbuck, they were in the open velt and I ranged at 254m one ram standing to the left, she placed the rifle in the "V" of a small thorn tree, took aim and asked me where she should shoot it and I replied - "IN THE MIDDLE" bang, blesbuck down!

Hope there are still many experiences like these in the future for you.

Regards

[DWB]

A big congrats to both you and your daughter!

Hard work pays off!

[theedge]

A big congrats to both you and your daughter

[Pvdw]

Geluk man. Spesiale tye daai.

[ruaanb]

Congratulations Wayne to you and your daughter! It certainly is a special moment.

[stone]

Very proud Dad!!! and with good reason,wish I was there for that familiar squeeze from her.Well done Kristan!!! Savour these moments.

[goodstuff]

Awesome - congrats!

[Ben]

Baie Mooi!
Congratulations

[Ashley]

Well done!

[Wayne]

Thanks everyone. Today was Michaels turn, he is 9, will be 10 in December.

All preparations the same and off we go, the little bugger carrying the rifle, I help when he is tired. We get a nice open shot, but he can not get comfortable, move here and there, rifle backwards and forwards, there go the buck and off we go again. Somewhere along the line he fell, I asked if he bumped the gun, I do not think so was the answer. About 20 min later we get a nice shot at about 170m, dead rest and all, and bang.....dup. I watch the buck walk into a thick area and we wait for all the others to move away. When we eventually go down to him, he takes off pretty strong, in all the following of this buck, an old ewe gets up and I think that it is the wounded one and I shoot quickly, just slows it down a little. 2 more shots are clean miss and the 3rd is a hit, but bad shot, and off I go after it. Eventually find it and shoot it, but my heart says something is wrong, Michaels was a Ram now what. We load and head home to check rifle. 2 1/2" left at a 100m, He must have bumped the scope. I set scope, had lunch, a little kip and went back with Kristin and my Labby. Dog found the animal, lucky for us, within 20 min, he was down but not dead. Shot was about 5" left, high gut shot ( see picture ). The main thing is he got his buck. The height of his shot was good.

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[goodstuff]

Awesome experience to share with the kids! Nou het daai gogga vir Kristin en Michael ook gebyt.... Goodluck

[hennief]

Congratulations Wayne.
Thanks for sharing.