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Jesse's Hunting > Hunting Articles > Hunting Articles Archives > Passing on the Tradition
Passing on the Tradition
Kirk Edgerton - JHO ProStaff
- Sacramento, CA
November 02, 2006
Proud dad, happy daughter
Kirk Edgerton helped Jesse Murillo pass along the hunting tradition to Jesse's daughter, Bianca. Taking the time to help a young hunter find early success can be every bit as rewarding as harvesting your own game. |
It was the second time she’d deer hunted. Her previous attempt this year yielded some sightings, but the does were too skittish and bucks very elusive. I was hoping today would be different.
Dawn arrived and the sun began to touch the upper reaches of the far hill. I figured we had a good hour before the sun would reach the canyon below sending the deer to their beds. Glassing from left to right, then bottom to top, movement caught my eye near the crest of the canyon. Focusing the binoculars, I was more than happy to see the dark forms of seven deer feeding casually along the rim.
With spotting scope in hand, the seven does were more visible as they fed while a younger doe jumped and bucked with youthful enthusiasm. I knew if they kept their present course they would reach a narrow area towards the base of the canyon. The road would take us within 200 yards of the far side. This is where I hoped she would get her shot.
Reaching the old road, we cautiously made our way down, checking the deer frequently to make sure they were on the same route. As the road made a sweeping turn, I knew they had to be close, so I slowed my gait and glassed frequently with Bianca and father, Jesse, in tow. Ahead and across canyon, a lone doe’s shape appeared. Raising my glasses, she appeared mature and calm. The rangefinder read 255 yards, a long shot, but with plenty of cover in between us, I knew we could gain a few yards more.
Peeking around the last bit of cover and clicking the rangefinder once more, the number flashed 197. This was as close as we could get, and although waiting for the other six deer to appear seemed like a good idea, possibly offering a closer shot, I knew things could quickly change on public land and ruin our opportunity. Bianca’s chance had come.
Placing the gun in the shooting stix, she looked like a veteran hunter; determined and ready. Glassing the doe, waiting for the shot, I did my best to wish the bullet to its mark. With
the pull of the trigger, the doe jumped wildly and a puff of crimson appeared as she ran low into the canyon. The other six does ran high, stopping for a quick look back before they made a run for safer ground, leaving their fallen companion behind.
Filling out the first tag
12 year-old Bianca Murillo and father Jesse mark the appropriate notches in Bianca's first deer tag. |
Bianca cautiously approached the doe, at first tentative, then slowly petting its side, stroking the soft hair. She knew she had taken a life, sad for the animal, but happy for the task she accomplished and the food she provided for her family. Her dad was silent, smiling intently and relishing the moment. I couldn’t help but smile as this would surely be a lasting memory in Bianca’s mind. Hoping to make the memory last, we took pictures and relived the hunt when my friend Tony arrived to help pack the doe out.
For many of us, we spend each season trying to fill personal goals and pursuing various game across many states. I would highly encourage each of you to take a day and help a youth enjoy the outdoors and fulfill their goal of harvesting their first animal. Without a mentor, none of us would be where we are, enjoying a sport and a passion for the outdoors. Help pass the tradition on and become an active participant in mentoring the hunters of tomorrow.
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