Ray and Mathew Pigott - Father and Son Deer

Saturday morning 10/2/2010: Matthew and Dad climb in a box stand looking over a bean field at 5:15am. Matthew helped build the stand over the summer, his first real construction project. He learned about many tools used by carpenters. He interacted with other men who were more interested in him having success than their own. We were excited about sitting together in the deer woods. Matthew just turned 15 and has never shot a deer.

He spent time getting his hunter certification, range card at the Wake Co. range, and practicing at the range. He has proven to be an excellent marksman although a little skeptical about the black powder gun in hand. The gun makes a lot of smoke and is a little cranky grouping unless close attention is paid to loading it. We sit patiently. At 8:15, while Matthew is fighting off boredom, a deer appears crossing the bean field. I see it first and tell him to get ready. Like an old pro, he steadies the gun, takes aim and asks for the go ahead. I say go, look through the binoculars and wait for the boom. Just before the deer exits into the woods, the .50 caliber sounds off. I see the deer jump straight up confirming a hit. He thinks he missed. We give him 30 minutes and climb down. Less than 10 yards into the woods, we find his first deer. A great shot was placed behind the shoulder. We thank the Lord together for a blessed day.

We plan to hunt again in the afternoon and agree to take a stand in a double ladder for the afternoon. On the way, he asks if we can return to the box. Since it is comfortable, why not? We climb in a 4:00pm and wait patiently. Matthew can’t fight the boredom and drifts off to sleep while I keep watch. At 6:30 pm, three does come out in the edge of the woods. Could Matthew have a chance at number two? The real crazy thing here is that we both harvest a deer out of the group. It was exciting to say the least. What a great opportunity the Lord provided for father and son. We both can’t wait for the next trip. He has the fire ignited inside. We will again ask Him for the opportunity to enjoy His great creation together. With the pressure off, we will search for Matthew a buck.