A buck was the plan. Then a doe walked out.
Going into Iowa youth season, Cole had a goal in mind: help Jett get his first buck. Jett wanted one, too. He liked the idea of having antlers to remember the hunt by. There is nothing wrong with that. But there is a difference between a kid having a goal and an adult deciding what counts as success for that kid.
The first opportunity was not the right one
On opening morning at the Crossroads, several bucks showed up along a bean field. They were close enough to get everyone excited, and Jett even got a buck in his crosshairs for the first time. But the sky was so dark and overcast that Cole could not make out a responsible shot, even though legal shooting time had begun. They waited. The bucks eventually moved away. That was disappointing, but it was also a lesson: a deer being there does not automatically mean you should shoot.
A decision that belonged to Jett
A few days later, the group was back in a stand they call Kodiak. After a quiet morning, a deer appeared on the field edge. It was a doe. Cole told Jett plainly that he could pass her if he wanted. They talked through the choice without making it a test of toughness or trophy standards. Jett finally said he wanted the meat. That was his answer, not Cole’s. When the deer turned broadside, Jett settled in and made a clean shot.
The part that mattered afterward
The doe turned out to be a small yearling, smaller than they expected in the field. But the excitement was real. They took pictures, celebrated the shot, and talked about Iowa’s HUSH venison-donation program. Cole made a point of telling Jett not to apologize for the deer he chose. He had made his own decision, handled the firearm responsibly, and followed through.
The hunt is bigger than the tag
One of Cole’s favorite observations came later: Jett seemed almost more disappointed that his season was over than that he had not taken a buck. He just wanted to keep hunting. That is something worth protecting in a young hunter. A successful youth season is not a contest to see who can pass the biggest deer. It is a chance to teach judgment, responsibility, patience, and a lasting love for being outdoors.
Frequently asked questions
Should a young hunter pass a doe to wait for a buck?
That should be a thoughtful choice based on the young hunter’s goals, experience, available opportunities, and local rules—not pressure from adults.
What matters most on a youth hunt?
Safe decisions, an ethical shot, and an experience that makes the young hunter want to return.
Listen to the Full Conversation
This story was adapted from a firsthand hunting experience shared on the Killerwinds Podcast. From the decisions made in the moment to the lessons learned along the way, these are the experiences that shape us as hunters. Watch or listen to the full conversation to hear the story as it was originally told.
