This trip took place at our families new farm and was Westin’s first time deer hunting. We were setup in a ground blind 30 yards into the woods between a field and thicker portion of woods. We had been sitting in the blind for an hour when a storm came over and started raining then 20 minutes later this buck walked to the edge of the thicker woods. I could see the deer but Westin couldn’t due to a tree in his way. After waiting 10mins for the deer to move which seemed like eternity and Westin was so anxious to kill a deer (I didn’t tell him it was a big buck) we decided to reposition in the blind where he could see the deer and potentially get a shot. So Westin crawled on the ground under my feet and under the gun/rest so he could be on the left side of the blind and gun for a shot. Westin setup on the buck and made the 75 yard shot. The buck jumped up a little and ran off down the ridge. After the shot, he was excited and nervous at the same time I was just as nervous/excited for him. We walked over where the deer was standing and the storm intensified to a down pour and we were soaked. We didn’t see any blood in the area (typical for 223) and westin started doubting his shot and became upset. We walked in the down pour around the ridge and I spotted the deer and told Westin to walk this way then said what’s that over there. He saw the deer on the ground and immediately started yelling I Got Him….he’s huge OMG…. this was totally worth it! I called my dad to bring the four wheeler and all he could hear in the background is Westin yelling with excitement. Experiencing his first deer was a lifetime moment.
Hunter’s name: Westin Tuttle
Landis NC
Union NC
9/27/25
8-point buck