My first deer

George Tsoukalas · October 24, 2007, 10:12:00 AM

This is more a story of two friends than of my shooting my first deer.goldenridges and Jawge. But that, perhaps, is a story for another time. Suffice to say that without George I would not have had the shot or the deer.
   I asked Ridge if we could hunt together Wednesday (10/17). I just like getting together with him. The hunt is secondary. At any rate, we hunted an area in the early afternoon but to no avail. He sat me down and tried to drive some deer towards me. I did hear a deer moving but no sighting was available. Ridge decided we should move to another area.
   We arrived at a prime spot in Lee, NH about 3:00 PM. Tracks, signs, rubs and runs were everywhere. He located me in the perfect spot-on the ground, next to a frequently used run with the wind at my face.
   About 5:55 PM I saw a doe walking towards me and nibbling on the vegetation. She passed to my right with her head down as she browsed. Ridge said there were 2 does. Hey what do i know. She stopped 10 feet away, looked at us and ran. Another foot and I would have had a ridiculously close shot but her vitals were hidden.
   A very interesting scenario then developed. Ridge gave a cluck or 2, bahhed like a fawn and pawed the ground. The doe's ears perked up and she returned, this time off my left shoulder. She seemed to be very interested but not quite sure. She stamped her foot while looking right at me. No shot possibility yet. She looked away and looked back at me quickly in an effort to get me to move. Finally, she relaxed, put her head down and started to nibble.
   "Jawge, shoot!", whispered Ridge.
   And so I did. I thought I shot directly over her. But I didn't. He heard the arrow hit her.
   She presented me with a 15 yard shot.
   We went back to Ridge's house and returned to search for the arrow or some blood. Ridge found some blood but no arrow and no deer. I found a little more blood a few minutes later. We called off the search about 8:30 PM.
   I returned in the morning with Ridge and we entered the woods at 7:30 AM. We found more blood. We doggedly continued and found the skipper doe at 10 AM. I hit her directly over the ham area in the spinal cord. I was ecstatic.
   I used a hickory selfbow which I made from a hickory log stave last December, some arrows made from hand planed white pine stock, and a hand made trade point. Ridge found the point in her.
   The spilling of blood on the earth by a hunter should always be a solemn occurrence. However, the deer will provide my family and friends with sustenance.
   Thanks, Ridge, for your help. I could not have done it without you.
Thanks to my wife for putting up with my very frequent hunts over the years and thanks to my daughters.
Most of all, I thank God for directing us to my first trophy.
Jawge

George Tsoukalas · October 24, 2007, 10:15:00 AM

George Tsoukalas · October 24, 2007, 10:16:00 AM

George Tsoukalas · October 24, 2007, 10:17:00 AM

Left to right-Jawge and Ridge

Tim Fishell · October 24, 2007, 10:17:00 AM

Congrats George!! Sounds like a great hunt with a good friend!!

George Tsoukalas · October 24, 2007, 10:19:00 AM

Thanks, Tim. It sure was the hunt of a lifetime. Jawge

gwhunter · October 24, 2007, 10:34:00 AM

Well deserved! I am proud of you, your success, and your giving the glory to God. You done good!

George Tsoukalas · October 24, 2007, 10:48:00 AM

Thanks, gw. Giving the glory to God is easy. Jawge

Gil · October 24, 2007, 10:57:00 AM

Congrats on a fine animal!
Gil

Moengo · October 24, 2007, 11:00:00 AM

Congratulations George...I really like your style. I can relate, as I feel much the same as you described after I've taken an animal. You put the words so well and I appreciate you sharing those words.

George Tsoukalas · October 24, 2007, 11:01:00 AM

Thanks, Gil. She was a gift from God. Jawge

DRR324 · October 24, 2007, 11:07:00 AM

congrats Jawge, a true blessing shared by friends...

tomh · October 24, 2007, 11:10:00 AM

Great story George. Congratulations on your success.

Shaun · October 24, 2007, 11:10:00 AM

So sweet. Self made gear, good friends, a fine eating doe. Thanks for sharing the moment.

Mudd · October 24, 2007, 11:15:00 AM

Hey Buddy Its good to see you're doing great. Thanks for sharing your story.
Congratulations!
God bless,Mudd

George Tsoukalas · October 24, 2007, 11:28:00 AM

Thanks, CB, for reading my words. Thanks, DRR. Yo said it well. Thanks, tomh. Thanks, Shaun. Very fine eating. I cooked the first steak. Sunday. Delicious. Jawge

George Tsoukalas · October 24, 2007, 11:30:00 AM

Thanks, Mudd. Hope you are doing well. jawge

BamBooBender · October 24, 2007, 11:36:00 AM

Couldn't of happened to a nicer guy! Congratulations!

George Tsoukalas · October 24, 2007, 11:43:00 AM

Thanks, BBB. It was along time in coming. I think that made it sweeter.

Jawge

BMN · October 24, 2007, 12:19:00 PM

Congrats George. That's just awesome.