A Proud Hunting Memory: Chris’ First White Tail Buck

 Hunting has always been more than just a pastime for Chris and me—it’s something that connects us to the land, to each other, and to traditions that run deep in our hearts. Hunting has made us a stronger couple in so many ways. For over 10 years, we’ve spent countless mornings together in the woods, bundled against the chill, listening to the stillness, and waiting for the perfect moment.

I still remember the thrill of harvesting my first buck just three years after getting my hunting license. It was a defining moment for me as a hunter, something I’ll never forget. So when Chris finally got his hunting license, I couldn’t wait for him to experience that same rush of excitement.

And it happened fast—on only the second day we went out together, Chris got his very first white tail buck! The look on his face was priceless: a mix of shock, joy, and pride. As his partner, standing there beside him, I felt so proud and honored to share that moment. It was one of those experiences that reminds you why you put in the early mornings, the long walks, and the patient waiting. 

We always limit out on grouse when we are out so this was a great treat and special event! Now instead of just creating dishes like butter grouse and fried grouse strips we can create some venison recipes together. 

Taking the Right Steps After the Harvest

As every responsible hunter knows, the work doesn’t stop once the buck is down. Together, we made sure to follow every step with care and respect:

1. Field Dressing – We began by opening the abdominal cavity to remove the internal organs quickly, helping preserve the meat.
2. Cleaning the Cavity – We cleared out debris, wiped down the cavity, and allowed proper cooling.
3. Skinning – Once we got the deer home, we carefully removed the hide, working slowly to keep the meat clean and intact. We used this gorgeous knife for skinning and it worked like a charm. 
4. Hanging – We hung the buck in our garage, allowing the meat to cool and age properly.
5. Butchering Prep – Soon, we’ll break it down into roasts, steaks, and other cuts, filling our freezer with meat we worked hard for and will truly appreciate.

More Than Just a Hunt

For us, this moment wasn’t just about putting food on the table—it was about sharing an incredible milestone together. Hunting has always been about patience, respect, and partnership. After more than a decade of hunting side by side, I finally got to see Chris experience the same kind of first that I did years ago.

I’ll always remember standing in the crisp fall air, watching him take that shot, and feeling my heart swell with pride. Moments like these are what make hunting such a special part of our lives—it’s not just about the harvest, but about the memories we create together along the way.

We brought down both of these beautiful beasts down with a 30-06 which is my favourite rifle for large game. I love my 30-06 and 30-30 for larger game but for grouse and rabbits we stick to our bolt action .22 for the best accuracy and small holes. We had used semi automatic .22’s for a while but they began to get jammed and not shoot any type of bullets no matter how often we changed them out. 

Do you have a favourite for large or small game? Or are you new to hunting altogether? Let me know, and don’t let this hobby ruin your opinion of me I still love animals and show them the respect they deserve. I just prefer to work for my food and have the cleanest most natural meat I can put in my families bodies.