Zach’s First Deer Hunt At Spring Creek Ranch

Sunday, October 13th, 2019

Parent, Jeff, only hunted a handful of times growing up. However, witnessing his sons first successful deer hunt might change his mind about getting out to hunt in the future. Zach is 16 years of age and shoots both trap and skeet on the Kapan Mt. Carmel trap team. Zach is no stranger to hunting with the Outdoor Mentors program. He has attended two dove hunts and went deer hunting for the first time in January at the Quivira Scout Ranch. Zach’s favorite memory of this hunt was being out in nature with his dad.

While Zach is just beginning his hunting career, his dad is reflecting on his career. “I did get my Hunter’s Safety card at age 12, and along with it my first single shot 20ga shotgun, that I still have to this day.  I went pheasant and quail hunting with my dad and brothers a couple times that next season. I recall those were not very successful bird hunts, but we usually came home with a rabbit or squirrel each time out. I also went pheasant hunting a few times by myself when I was in high school” said Jeff. There are many conflicting extra curricular activities that can clash with the sport of hunting. Jeff believes that it is possible to work around those conflicts.

“As a parent, I feel it is my responsibility to give my kids the broadest spectrum of life experiences.  So much of the world is outside – and away from all of the digital distractions today’s youth are constantly bombarded with. Often it is hard to find a free day/evening/weekend to go out and just enjoy the time in nature.  I feel it is important to make the time. It helps to put it on the calendar and just do it. Whether it be camping, hiking, fishing or hunting, when we get back home, we’re always glad we made the time to go.”

Both Jeff and Zach were able to hunt together down at Spring Creek Ranch. The evening was quite and still, but with just a few moments of legal shooting time left in the evening, Zach’s luck changed. “with just minutes left in the hunt, we saw it, a doe poking her head out. Then a pair of bucks right behind her, all three were a hunter’s dream. As the doe came out I whispered to Zach, remember, wait until you have a clean broadside shot. The doe wandered straight towards us, about 20 yards into the field.  Then she turned. Click. Zach in his excitement forgot to turn off the safety. Quickly he turned it off and took a deep breath. Boom! Perfectly placed shot. The doe ran about 10-15 yards and was down. Zach was so excited, he about jumped out of the blind! Within minutes, Mike and Damon were there ready to pick us up to head back to the shop. When we got back to the shop, Kansas Game Warden Brooks VanDerBeek helped Zach field dress the doe. Zach decided that to honor the animal and first harvest, he should eat the heart. Me being the dad, told him he had to cook it first.  So, Zach got a spatula and headed to the firepit. Zach shared his grilled heart with anyone who wanted to try it.” A memory that neither Jeff or Zach could possibly forget.

Jeff knows that this is only the beginning for Zach and that these opportunities have sparked a passion for hunting. Jeff said that “He asked about hunting again next year and pheasant hunting on the way home.” Zach on the other hand doesn’t think that he could have a better day. He said, “this hunt was awesome! I don’t think we could have planned a better day!”

Special Thanks from Jeff & Zach: I would like to thank all of the people who so generously gave of their time and talents to make this hunt happen.  Mike and Brittany for organizing it, the mentors who hunted with the boys, Brooks who helped Zach field dress his doe, and Damon and the entire staff at Matador Cattle Company who went above and beyond to make this a lifetime memory!