"Lil Buckaroo"

October 23, 2010

My name is Shauna, I am 24 years old and last year (2009) was my first big game hunt ever. I drew a Northeastern tag in Utah and I was completely committed. I woke up long before the sun came up each morning and even had to drag my 'always up for hunting' boyfriend, TJ McKay, out of bed a few times. We hiked and searched and tried as hard as we could to find a buck for me to shoot, but to no avail. Finally, on the very last day of the hunt, when we had decided to turn back, TJ spotted one. I put my gun on him, with shaky hands, and pulled the trigger. That dog gone buck immediately darted off, leaving me to find a mere puff of fur and not a single trace of blood. I can't describe the feeling that came over me as my heart sunk and I cried those exhausted, frustrated tears. Ultimate disappointment is the closest I can get.

But, I am not the type of person to let an unsuccessful experience keep me down.  When I fall, I always at least try to get back up. So, come the time to put in for the 2010 general rifle season, I decide I'm in.  Once again I drew my northeastern tag and prepared for the hunt. Determined as ever to rectify my previous failure, I set out with TJ on opening day. We stop at a couple of our usual spots and don't see anything so we decide to check in with our friends and of course, Brad Newman already filled his tag with a beautiful 4 point. I was so excited to see such a good looking deer had already been taken and it gave me the hope and motivation I needed to press on. We went out again with our friend Jason Ivie that afternoon. Just when he was looking for a place to turn around and find another spot, he noticed a deer. Then he says, "It's a buck too!"  Nothing could shake me; I was prepared for this moment. TJ tried to show me where to look and at first I had a hard time finding him, but that deer knew his destiny and waited for me. About 60 yards up the hill, I found him in the scope and steadied my position. Calm as I could, I aimed at his vitals and took my shot.

That 'Lil Buckaroo didn't even know what hit him!! He stumbled a few feet and went right down to the ground. I had smoked him with a bullet straight through the heart!

Hands down, it was the most exciting and fulfilling achievement that I have ever accomplished. I got 'Muley Crazy' and I ain't ever goin back!

Thank you and sincerely,

Shauna Cameron

Orem, Utah