We had been watching this deer on camera for months leading up to the youth day opener here in South Carolina. I was beyond excited to finally be in the woods for the first hunt of the season. The weather blessed us with cooler temps, and the deer were on the move.
I’ve been hunting for several years but had never harvested a buck before. So when a smaller 6-point came out and fed in front of us for about 20 minutes, the excitement was real. I was ready to take the shot, but my dad encouraged me to be patient and wait for something bigger. That was so hard!
A few more deer came through, and then at 7:48 AM… he stepped out. The buck we had been watching all summer. I took the shot at 90 yards — and he dropped right there!
This was my very first buck ever, and it’s a moment I’ll never forget. Sharing that experience with my dad and close friends made it even more special. A memory for a lifetime.
Hunter’s name: Jackson Cribb
Hometown: Hanahan SC
County of Hunt: Williamsburg SC
08/09/2025
8-point buck