We got in the ground blind around 5:30pm. After a few minutes of getting everything set up we had 8 hens come in and scratch around for a bit. I had pictures of the buck the day prior at 7:30pm and I figured he would do the same. At around 6:30, Karleigh decided she wanted to sit on my lap and look through the scope of the crossbow. We are sitting there talking about what to do if a deer would come in and I am reminding her about where to shoot. To my surprise I look up and saw him from 100 yards away. He was walking towards us. My heart pounded as Karleigh remained calm. He messed around and walked into our shooting lane at 25 yards facing straight towards the blind. I kept reminding her to be still and we had to wait for him to turn. A smaller buck and an 8 point started to walk in just as he turned. I took the safety off and told her whenever she was ready to shoot. The bolt took off and we heard it smack him. She immediately had happy tears in her eyes and I was full of excitement. After 10 minutes I got out to check for blood. As I’m walking towards where he was standing, I look to my left and I see white belly. I did not tell her, but instead grabbed a leaf that had a good spot of blood and took it back to show her. Since I knew it was dead I let her start the track job. I took a video of her tracking the blood all the way to her trophy. We shared multiple hugs, kisses, and high fives. This is one we will never forget!!
Hunter’s name: Karleigh Sain
Maiden NC
Catawba County, NC
9/13/25
9-point buck