A hunter's first deer kill, when arrow or bullet makes successful contact with skin, is an exhilarating experience that often culminates in a wide array of emotions. When that hunter happens to be a child, the emotions are even more raw and off the cuff. Parents across the country capture these precious moments on camera, and for the enjoyment of all hunters, upload them to Youtube. We scoured the internet to find the best, most heart-wrenchingly real of these videos, and this is the fruit of that labor. Some you may have seen, some may be new. All are excellent examples of great parenting and memories between children and their parents that will last a lifetime.
Savanna's First Deer Hunt
"Dad, is this normal? I'm not cold, I'm just shaking." Savanna's reaction to shooting her first deer is a feeling most can relate to. The amount of adrenaline that courses through the body post-shot is immeasurable, and when placed in a tiny human like herself, the uncontrollable shakes make all too much sense.
Kid's Reaction to Shooting a Big Buck!
This video from Heartland Bowhunter was a Moment of the Year nominee in 2012 on the Sportsman Channel. Watching this hunt, it's hard not to cling to the edge of your seat while you anxiously wait for the shot. Clay puts a perfect shot on a monster buck, and completely loses it (pardon his French) with good reason. From crying, to shaking, laughing and praying, this boys roller coaster of emotion is only paralleled by the amazing cinematography Heartland Bowhunter is famous for.
Rileigh's First Deer
Fairhope, Ala., resident, 10-year-old Rileigh, shoots her first deer in this Youtube video uploaded by her father. The pair had practiced all summer in anticipation of the hunt, and got to share this amazing father-daughter moment. Rileigh's enthusiasm is palpable, as is her hesitation, mixed with happiness, walking up to the downed deer, where you see she made a perfect shot. Her joy is only surpassed by her humorous reaction to being told she'll have to drag the deer out and put blood on her face. Check it out!
12-Year-Old Kohl's 649-Yard First Buck Freak Out! - Long Range Hunting
Facing your first buck is an intimidating moment. Add the pressure of a 649-yard shot and you've got a pretty big feat at your fingertips. Youth hunter, 12-year-old Kohl, takes on this challenge with a calm, collected demeanor of a hunter twice his age. He makes a spectacular shot, with his dad by his side, and (pardon his French) the pair share an adrenaline-filled moment of pure bliss. This video is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face.
Ali's First Deer
This final video is not a father-daughter hunt, but a boyfriend-takes-girlfriend-on-her-first-deer-hunt video. After three years of unsuccessful hunts, Lee's girlfriend Ali fills her first doe tag. Her reaction is by far the most priceless in all the ups-and-downs she expresses. There really are no words. See it for yourself.
If you enjoyed these videos, you may like this adorable one as well.