The Emotion of The Take – A Boy’s First Deer
By Karen Fisher
This past Thanksgiving, my nine-year-old son became a rightful hunter. His father has taken him along on his annual hunting trips to Mason County, West Virginia for the last three years, but this was the year he was planning to take his first deer out of the woods. While preparing for the trip, he was excited, detailed about packing his gear, and meticulous while cleaning his Savage .243. He counted his ammunition twice and triple checked that he had packed his hunter orange. He took a good luck shot right before he left – a bullseye on a 9” paper plate at 65 yards. (That’s my boy.) The very last thing he did was pose for a picture for me in front of our American Flag. I was excited for him, but nothing compared to what he was feeling, I was sure.
What was he feeling, I wondered? I spoke to him on the phone the next day, but I wasn’t allowed to ask. “What happens at hunt camp, stays at hunt camp, Mama.”
On day two of his adventure, his dad sent me a video of him killing his first deer. I finally realized it. He felt a lot. SO MUCH – down to the core of his soul, and it stopped me in my tracks. I had no idea. I had no idea that a hunter feels sorrow or sadness or even grief-stricken at the taking of an animal for food. In the video, he struggled with willing himself to pull the trigger. That trigger must have felt like a thousand pounds. He stopped multiple times and whispered through silent tears, “I can’t do it, Dad. I can’t.” All his father could say was, “Yes you can.” As his mother, it was hard for me to watch.
I reached out to several friends who hunt to get their viewpoints on the reactions of killing an animal. I was intrigued and curious if strong emotions had a place in the sport. Each and every one of my friends responded with similar versions of, “You are not a true sportsman if you don’t feel for the animal you kill.” I learned a lot by talking to them, and I was thankful for their honesty and openness.
So, it happened. A 200-pound doe lay down, and waited for her boy hunter to take her out of the woods.
The blessings we receive from her will always be remembered at supper as we give thanks. Perspective abounds.
Karen Fisher – Writes about guns and gun safety
www.carolinaselfprotection.com ~ 704-237-4487
In 2012 Karen opened the doors to Carolina Self Protection, LLC and began an incredibly rewarding career in firearms and personal safety education. In 2016 Karen expanded her training to become an NRA Certified Training Counselor and NRA CHIEF Range Safety Officer, which allows her to train and certify prospective NRA Instructors and Range Safety Officers. Karen offers many classes at her classroom in Mooresville, NC.