People always ask me if I know what my deer score and to be honest I have never given two shits. I love playing cat and mouse with whatever deer makes it personal. I love hunting freezer queens to old warriors. I live for when the metal meets the meat. And as long as my freezer is full come Jan 15th I’m fulfilled.

A good hunter can scout, trim, setup, sit, harvest within days of being on a new property. What you decide to harvest is between you and the animal. Not a lot goes to waste. The older I have gotten the more parts of the animal I have found use for. The trophy is to honor the hunt, the prize is what’s in the freezer. Knowing what my children are eating is the most important thing to me.

This picture right here captivated all my emotions I have had a understanding and respect for the woods, rivers, critters and great blue sky since I was 8 years old.

My appreciation for nature grows season to season. To share what I felt in the woods yesterday is nearly impossible. The surge of emotions yesterday came from knowing I never gave up, slowed down, learned from mistakes, made improvements, kept my head up. Relentless pursuit is the straightest line to achieving your goals. I will say it is bitter sweet taking a buck opening day, as late oct and red November are truly what I look forward to. Something I’ve learned is the mother will share what is earned. Advice to beginner hunters is you have to love every step you take in the woods or bow hunting will eat you alive as it’s one of the most humbling ventures I have set on. I love every step of the way. Filling my freezer with protein that will nourish my loves ones is my why. Getting to take a beautiful buck like this the first day is the cherry on top of all my effort. Nothing more rewarding. .

Some hunters go a lifetime without the opportunity to take a big buck. Some get one or two chances if they're lucky. Everything we do to prepare usually comes down to just a moment in time. You're either heart broken or riding a high like you never felt before.

Either way bowhunting will let you know a lot about who you are and how you handle adversity. I have felt the lowest of lows, that sickening feeling in your stomach.

I've also never felt so alive at times. I've thrown up out of a tree. Also I have never been more proud of myself. Thought I’d never hunt again, and know ill never go without hunting.

Hunters will go to great lengths for the pursuit of a giant. There is nothing like the chase. Nothing like late October and red November. Hard to explain to someone not submerged into the life of bowhunting America's Whitetail Deer.

After spending years in the field I've realized that scenarios rarely play out how you plan. One of the most gratifying feelings when it does, but best to be prepared for everything. Shoot in every position, every angle, practice a quick draw and release, practice at dawn and dusk when there is little light, when you're sore, when you're tired, and when you have thought of everything you'll still find yourself in an unfamiliar situation.

Took this buck while kneeling on my stand, shooting over my back shoulder almost facing the ground. I remember thinking how the hell did I pull that off. Mix up your reps, get creative.