Got my first deer

Posted: 11/27/2018 11:01:23 AM EDT

I shot my first deer this morning, a decent 8 point. Bucks down in Texas generally don't have the mass some of y'all up north get to enjoy.

His tines are twisty which give him a neat look.

I've seen this guy on camera a few times and he gave me an easy shot. I had only been in the blind for about 10 minutes when a spike buck walked out. This guy followed about 30 seconds later. He grazed for a few minutes then offered me a broadside shot. I grunted to keep him still, them took the shot.

I was using a 6.5 Grendel AR wearing a Vortex Viper 2.5-10 scope. I think this is the perfect scope, magnification wise, for hunting within the Grendel range. I shot him from about 50 yards away.

Ammo was a hand load. Hornady case, CCI primer, 8208XBR powder and a Nosler 120gr Ballistic tip bullet.

The deer took about 4 steps after I shot him, stopped and paused for a second. He tried to take another step and stumbled. He eventually did take a few messy steps and fell over less than 20 feet from where I shot him. There bullet did not pass through. I am very impressed with the bullet.

I've taken hogs with this same load. They are lucky if they make it 20 feet. These are vitals kills, not head or spine shots.

Anyway that's enough rambling. I'm back in the blind waiting on a hog to show up. The deer is at the processor, also getting a euro mount. Just thought I'd share with you.

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Eta

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Posted: 11/27/2018 11:16:55 AM EDT

[#1]

Beautiful buck!! Congrats bro!

Posted: 11/27/2018 11:26:33 AM EDT

[#2]

Nice, great job.

Posted: 11/27/2018 11:29:20 AM EDT

[#3]

Nice one. Congratulations.

Posted: 11/27/2018 11:29:55 AM EDT

[#4]

That’s a nice buck congrats.

Now take a (inner) tenderloin and pan fry it on high heat, browned good on the outside and cool red on the inside. Slice in medallions and place on a mixed green salad with red onions, crumbled good blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar that you reduced to near syrup consistency. Add fresh ground pepper and have a beer or red wine with it.

Posted: 11/27/2018 11:58:22 AM EDT

[#5]

Congratulations. Thats a fine buck.

Posted: 11/27/2018 12:04:04 PM EDT

[#6]

Nice buck!

I one day hope to hunt Texas whitetail n hogs.

Posted: 11/27/2018 12:11:40 PM EDT

[#7]

Thanks y'all I'm pretty excited

Quote History

Quoted:
Nice buck!

I one day hope to hunt Texas whitetail n hogs.

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If you ever make it Dallas when it's not smoking hot, look me up

Posted: 11/27/2018 12:41:41 PM EDT

[#8]

Congrats!

Posted: 11/27/2018 12:45:06 PM EDT

[#9]

Very nice buck, big congrats.

First deer and its a nice buck, you cant ask for more than that.

Posted: 11/27/2018 1:11:44 PM EDT

[#10]

That's a nice buck! Congrats.

You field dress him yourself before you took to the processor? Maybe you've done other big game before, just wondering since this is your first deer.

Either way congratulations.

Posted: 11/27/2018 1:51:33 PM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:
That's a nice buck! Congrats.

You field dress him yourself before you took to the processor? Maybe you've done other big game before, just wondering since this is your first deer.

Either way congratulations.

View Quote

I did not

That part I'm a bit ashamed of. Having never done it before I didn't want to screw up, and none of my usual hunting crew is here to show me the ropes. I watched tons of YouTube videos in preparation for this season but when there's a dead animal in front of you, it's suddenly more intimidating.

I shot the deer around 715 and I was at the processor at 8am when they opened. It was a cool 37 degrees this morning so I think the meat will be ok

Posted: 11/27/2018 2:37:12 PM EDT

[#12]

Posted: 11/27/2018 4:00:07 PM EDT

[#13]

Nice 8pt.

Posted: 11/27/2018 4:20:01 PM EDT

[#14]

Quote History

Quoted:
I did not

That part I'm a bit ashamed of. Having never done it before I didn't want to screw up, and none of my usual hunting crew is here to show me the ropes. I watched tons of YouTube videos in preparation for this season but when there's a dead animal in front of you, it's suddenly more intimidating.

I shot the deer around 715 and I was at the processor at 8am when they opened. It was a cool 37 degrees this morning so I think the meat will be ok

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
That's a nice buck! Congrats.

You field dress him yourself before you took to the processor? Maybe you've done other big game before, just wondering since this is your first deer.

Either way congratulations.

I did not

That part I'm a bit ashamed of. Having never done it before I didn't want to screw up, and none of my usual hunting crew is here to show me the ropes. I watched tons of YouTube videos in preparation for this season but when there's a dead animal in front of you, it's suddenly more intimidating.

I shot the deer around 715 and I was at the processor at 8am when they opened. It was a cool 37 degrees this morning so I think the meat will be ok

Nah, I remember my first couple times were...interesting. Straight up butchery, but not in a good way. 45 minutes is fine, better than fine really. I rarely even start going after them for 20+ minutes if they don't drop on the spot.

Posted: 11/27/2018 4:45:41 PM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:
I did not

That part I'm a bit ashamed of. Having never done it before I didn't want to screw up, and none of my usual hunting crew is here to show me the ropes. I watched tons of YouTube videos in preparation for this season but when there's a dead animal in front of you, it's suddenly more intimidating.

I shot the deer around 715 and I was at the processor at 8am when they opened. It was a cool 37 degrees this morning so I think the meat will be ok

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
That's a nice buck! Congrats.

You field dress him yourself before you took to the processor? Maybe you've done other big game before, just wondering since this is your first deer.

Either way congratulations.

I did not

That part I'm a bit ashamed of. Having never done it before I didn't want to screw up, and none of my usual hunting crew is here to show me the ropes. I watched tons of YouTube videos in preparation for this season but when there's a dead animal in front of you, it's suddenly more intimidating.

I shot the deer around 715 and I was at the processor at 8am when they opened. It was a cool 37 degrees this morning so I think the meat will be ok

Congrats on a nice deer!

Nothing to be ashamed of. Life consists of new challenges and it takes time to learn all the stuff we are faced with. I killed my first deer at 35. I hunted alone. When the farmer came up the hill to see if I got one, I was on my hands and knees field dressing with paper instructions by my side. This was before the Internet. He still gets a good laugh at my expense.

You can do it.

Posted: 11/27/2018 5:25:01 PM EDT

[#16]

Thanks y'all for the words of encouragement. To the guy above me I will be 33 in January. New hunter as of two years ago thanks to a few arfcommers actually. Thanks Kurt and Clayton.

My dad is here with me... He's never hunted before. Well he's hunted pheasant once or twice something like 30 years ago. He told me he 'had no interest' in gutting or helping to gut. I think it just grosses him out. Given my first deer, wanting to mount, needing to get meat processed, dad, etc I chose the easy route. There's normally company here at my lease but I'm here on an off time, family visiting from out of town for Thanksgiving. Next time I hope to field dress with a helper.

Dad really wants a hog and I hope he gets one. We've seen a ton of deer... Hogs on camera as of a few days ago.

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Posted: 11/27/2018 8:32:11 PM EDT

[#17]

Hunting with family sounds wonderful. I never had that opportunity.

Being outdoors with tasty animals around is healthy and fun!

Posted: 11/27/2018 8:39:33 PM EDT

[#18]

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Quoted:
Hunting with family sounds wonderful. I never had that opportunity.

Being outdoors with tasty animals around is healthy and fun!

View Quote

Thank you. Growing up my dad was never big into hunting. Recently after hearing about my success and fun he's taken an interest. My grandpa hunted a lot but we never got to hunt together

Posted: 11/27/2018 9:14:30 PM EDT

[#19]

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Quoted:
Thank you. Growing up my dad was never big into hunting. Recently after hearing about my success and fun he's taken an interest. My grandpa hunted a lot but we never got to hunt together

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Hunting with family sounds wonderful. I never had that opportunity.

Being outdoors with tasty animals around is healthy and fun!

Thank you. Growing up my dad was never big into hunting. Recently after hearing about my success and fun he's taken an interest. My grandpa hunted a lot but we never got to hunt together

That's cool. Even if he doesn't want to shoot much, just being with each other is great. My dad and I hunted a lot when I was growing up, and we still like to sit in a deer blind together to this day. He doesn't really have much interest in shooting deer these days but loves to go out with me anyway.

Posted: 11/27/2018 10:19:14 PM EDT

[#20]

Good deal!!!!

Posted: 11/27/2018 11:05:12 PM EDT

[#21]

Nice buck.

Posted: 11/28/2018 9:23:24 PM EDT

[#22]

Quote History

Quoted:
That’s a nice buck congrats.

Now take a (inner) tenderloin and pan fry it on high heat, browned good on the outside and cool red on the inside. Slice in medallions and place on a mixed green salad with red onions, crumbled good blue cheese, toasted walnuts, and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar that you reduced to near syrup consistency. Add fresh ground pepper and have a beer or red wine with it.

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When you get it all made up, eat the deer, drink the booze, and throw that other crap in the trash.

Congrats on the buck and welcome to the club.

Posted: 11/28/2018 9:50:15 PM EDT

[#23]

Great buck you got there. Congrats.

Posted: 11/29/2018 8:49:19 AM EDT

[#24]

Your first deer is an eight point buck? Good for you. That's incredible

Posted: 11/29/2018 8:53:00 AM EDT

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:
Your first deer is an eight point buck? Good for you. That's incredible

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Yes

I had a chance at a doe earlier in the season but didn't feel comfortable about the shot. Saw a nice 6 point the night before I shot this guy, but I was in a bad position sitting on the ground. He jumped me when I was moving to get into a shooting position.

8 pointer had no idea what hit him.

The spike that was with him didn't scare away until I got out of the blind

Posted: 11/29/2018 9:15:10 AM EDT

[#26]

That’s a downright nice buck. I hunt the hill country and would be pleased to take home a deer like that. Congrats!

Posted: 11/29/2018 9:15:20 AM EDT

[#27]

Very nice first deer

Posted: 11/29/2018 9:56:32 AM EDT

[#28]

Congrats on the sweet buck!

Nothing wrong with taking it to a processor - they can do an awesome job. Do not be afraid to do it your self. My son got his first deer at the tail end of last season - Febuary. We did the processing ourselfes - it was fun watching him work the hand grinder and he is so proud when we make a meal with his deer.

Guess the next posting will be the dinner pic - backstraps w/ taters and gravy....lol

Red

Posted: 11/29/2018 12:30:16 PM EDT

[#29]

Quote History

Quoted:
Congrats on the sweet buck!

Nothing wrong with taking it to a processor - they can do an awesome job. Do not be afraid to do it your self. My son got his first deer at the tail end of last season - Febuary. We did the processing ourselfes - it was fun watching him work the hand grinder and he is so proud when we make a meal with his deer.

Guess the next posting will be the dinner pic - backstraps w/ taters and gravy....lol

Red

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I think the next one I'll try myself... Confident or not. I may have YouTube spooled up while I work but I need to learn. I'm my opinion it's part of hunting, taking care of the animal after kill.

I'm exited to get the mount back

Posted: 11/29/2018 6:16:41 PM EDT

[#30]

Congrats on the buck...he's a nice one!

Posted: 11/29/2018 6:22:20 PM EDT

[#31]

Very nicely done that's a deer to be proud of congratulations. What do you do with the hogs you shoot? I only ask since you said you had no experience gutting that's to good of eating to just throw in a ditch but I know a lot of people do

Posted: 11/29/2018 6:26:49 PM EDT

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:
Very nicely done that's a deer to be proud of congratulations. What do you do with the hogs you shoot? I only ask since you said you had no experience gutting that's to good of eating to just throw in a ditch but I know a lot of people do

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We do both. I've had helpers to dress out before. Other times we toss them if nobody has the room in their freezer or wants the meat.

Posted: 11/29/2018 7:34:41 PM EDT

[#33]

Basically all that I do is steak out the back straps and a couple of the big hind leg muscles. and I make hamburger out of the rest...You will see all the fat is the white stuff between the muscles - make that go away...all the tendons/silver skin - makie that go away and I take the membranes off of the meat.

Prob the biggest secret about making the hamburger is to add beef fat to it at the ration of 4 or 5 lbs venison to 1 pound beef fat - because venison is so lean - you will not be able to brown it up if you don't.

Just so you have an idea how sweet that buck is - I am 54 been hunting since I was about 12. My biggest buck is a four point fork horn.

Red

PS - this guy makes it look easy - that is what a pro does - makes it look easy

How To Butcher A Deer At Home. TheScottReaProject.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoawhsmKIEY

Posted: 11/29/2018 11:38:40 PM EDT

[#34]

Quote History

Quoted:
Basically all that I do is steak out the back straps and a couple of the big hind leg muscles. and I make hamburger out of the rest...You will see all the fat is the white stuff between the muscles - make that go away...all the tendons/silver skin - makie that go away and I take the membranes off of the meat.

Prob the biggest secret about making the hamburger is to add beef fat to it at the ration of 4 or 5 lbs venison to 1 pound beef fat - because venison is so lean - you will not be able to brown it up if you don't.

Just so you have an idea how sweet that buck is - I am 54 been hunting since I was about 12. My biggest buck is a four point fork horn.

Red

PS - this guy makes it look easy - that is what a pro does - makes it look easy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoawhsmKIEY

View Quote

Thanks for the video. The processor uses 10% beef fat, which is (obviously) a 10:1 ratio...not quite 5:1 or 4:1. I suppose I could always try to add more later...or add bacon which I've read is popular.

Posted: 11/29/2018 11:49:34 PM EDT

[#35]

Quote History

Quoted:
Beautiful buck!! Congrats bro!

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FPNI. Congratulations, OP!

Posted: 11/30/2018 12:07:41 AM EDT

[#36]

Congrats on the buck! My first one I was 7 years old, and it was a cow horn spike lol!!
Deer processors will either rape you, or give you someone else's deer AKA "Pound in, pound out"...
Watching videos is better than nothing, but you need to pair up with someone to show you- it really isn't that difficult.
Keep hunting, and enjoy the meat you provided your family!

Posted: 11/30/2018 11:58:50 PM EDT

[#37]

That’s a great buck.

Posted: 12/2/2018 4:08:47 AM EDT

[#38]

It's all downhill from there.

Posted: 12/2/2018 4:13:05 AM EDT

[#39]

Congrats. Nice buck.

Posted: 12/2/2018 9:40:24 AM EDT

[#40]

Quote History

Quoted:
It's all downhill from there.

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Posted: 12/2/2018 1:33:25 PM EDT

[#41]

That's a beautiful buck! Congrats!

I'm heading to Texas on the 13th to go axis hunting with my dad. Can't wait.

I shot a nice 8 this year and had a euro mount done. Very happy with how it turned out.

Posted: 12/2/2018 8:18:50 PM EDT

[#42]

Nice buck! Congrats!

Posted: 12/29/2018 12:07:55 PM EDT

[#43]

Updated with euro mount pictures. Picking up the meat today also

Posted: 12/29/2018 12:20:27 PM EDT

[#44]

Great buck, and the Euro mount looks great! Nothing wrong with starting later in life. Best thing you can do is take the same approach to learning now as you would have if you started in your teens. I started deer hunting when I was probably 11 or 12, then took a break after graduating from college and starting a new job and a family. Got back in again in my early 30's and now really enjoy it, but had to relearn some things along the way.

Field dressing is really intimidating the first time you do it, but once you've done it a few times it goes a lot quicker. Most people really struggle with the colon / rectum and the bladder, as both can have negative effects if you botch them up. I keep a pruning sheers in the truck and use that to cut the pelvis, which gives me a nice opening to just pull everything out whole after cutting around the rectum.

Do you hunt anything else, like squirrel or rabbit? Those make good practice too just in terms with being comfortable getting the guts out cleanly. While not as large as a deer, the anatomy isn't that much different and the small size means they are a little more delicate.

The best advice I had when learning to field dress though is "the animal is already dead, you can't hurt it." That was in response to me being pretty delicate with my cuts. :)

Posted: 12/29/2018 4:58:53 PM EDT

[#45]

Nice. Don't sell it short though in the trophy category. A trophy is what it is. I mediocre 6 point broke a long dry spell and is one of fondest hunts. A doe I toloh with a muzzleloader I bought the day before is another.

That is one hell of a nice first deer. Be proud.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Got my first deer

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