This deer was shot, after seven hours in the woods (with a break in between), including 3 hours without moving despite seriously freezing toes and fingers, out of a .30-30 Marlin rifle with broken-off rear sights (whose sad remains were being propped up by a chunk of wood into an elevated position to serve as a replacement), at about 50 yards. The second bullet did the job, the deer fell right down. Jacob's pretty sure this deer is from the same group as the big doe he killed the opening weekend. Tells you something about the power of prayer and persistence - I talked to my wonderful God the Father, while Jacob said a couple of Hail Mary's for me. Gonna make lots of jerky this year - now that Jacob and I both hunt, the deer pile up! The deer on the background of this picture, have been shot, at different times, by different members of our family and friends, including Jacob.
To put this in perspective, I never held in my hands or fired a gun until the end of September of this year, so it's only been two month of hunting for me before I nailed this one. My only other kill was a squirrel so far. I've gone hunting the total of 6 times, all of which were limited to 2 to 4 hours out except today. This was the first proper day I spent in the woods, hunting morning and evening, from 8 to 10:30 and from 12:30 to 5. I think I've been incredibly lucky (and Jacob served as a wonderful guide). Thank you Jacob!
