Dead Eye

Austin has waited patiently for the opportunity to go turkey hunting with Papa.  This is something he has been dreaming about for a very long time.  A couple of years ago, he went to the Turkey Banquet with Papa and was the winner of a 20 gauge shot gun.  (I think Papa was really the winner, but he kindly let Austin think it was all him!)  This little guy of mine has been waiting for the day that he was deemed "old enough" by all of us to do some real hunting with Papa.  (We won't mention how heartbroken a little brother was to have to stay behind.)

Austin gathered all of his camoflauge stuff together and waited for Papa to pick him up after school.  They were going to meet up with Tim and Drake for a couple of days of hunting and male bonding.  He was so excited because Papa was pulling the camper down for them to stay in.  It was going to be quite an outdoors adventure for him...and Papa :)  Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate very well for them as it was quite cold and rainy, but it sure didn't dampen Austin's enthusiasm.  In fact, he woke up at 2 am because he was so excited.  That's definitely different than trying to rouse him out of bed on a school day.  He told Papa he only wakes up early for "important events like this and the cruise."  YIKES!  They weren't even heading out to the blind until around 5 am!

Within the first two hours of Austin's first ever hunt, they heard some gobbles and spied their prey!  With Papa doing the calling, he told Austin to get the gun aimed and ready to fire.  (Keep in mind, Austin has NEVER EVER shot anything other than a bb gun at some empty pop cans out at the cabin.  We had tried to arrange some practice shooting time with Papa but schedules just didn't allow it to happen.) Papa whispered in Austin's ear to shoot and that's exactly what Austin did!  Not realizing how the gun would feel or sound, after Austin shot, the gun "jumped" out of his hands (I'm sure Papa's heart skipped a beat or two) and Austin claimed to be "blind and deaf" :)  Papa told him he had actually shot the turkey and the bird just dropped to the ground.  Austin couldn't believe it and was in such shocked that he had to sit in his chair for a few moments before going out to inspect his kill!   I can only imagine the look on Austin's face.  I'm sure it was priceless, and I'm so thankful that my dad got to share this moment with Austin!

Austin's first hunt yielded a  22 lb turkey with .75 inch spurs and a 9 inch beard!  One shot...one turkey! Way to go Austin!  We are so proud of you :)