Epic and Lucky Shots: From Deer Hunting to Perfect Archery

Shooting experiences can range from the routine to the downright amazing. In this article, we dive into some incredible stories of precision and luck, shared by a seasoned shooter. From life-changing achievements in deer hunting to personal records in archery, these tales showcase the magic and thrill of aiming and hitting the target perfectly.

Deer Hunting with Grandpa: A Legend in the Making

One of the most memorable shooting incidents of my childhood involved hitting a deer with an antique 55-caliber black powder muzzle loader at an estimated 75 to 100 yards. The hunting grounds were a beaver pond, and my grandpa, who was almost legally blind without his glasses, had fallen into a deep sleep. I noticed a large buck approaching and tried to wake him up, but he simply ignored me, resulting in me having to punch him awake. When he finally woke up and fired, the buck dropped to the ground almost instantly, with the ball from the muzzle loader hitting the deer squarely in the spine, causing almost immediate death.

For a man who struggled to see objects beyond arm's length, this shot was beyond impossible, yet he made it. The irony was that his glasses were right on top of his head—something I repeatedly pointed out, but he couldn't see. This story is a testament to the impossible becoming possible due to a shot of luck and determination.

Archery and Precision with a .22 Rifle: A Performance to Remember

One of my proudest achievements in precision shooting took place in the mid-1990s. I was the Field Sports director at a Boy Scout camp, managing the rifle and shotgun ranges. One day, I was bored and covering the shotgun range when no one else wanted to do it. In a fit of boredom, I headed to the rifle range and decided to test my skills.

I put 100 rounds of .22 rifle ammunition into a paper target at 50 feet. The result was remarkable: after 100 shots, the entire hole was smaller than a U.S. dime. This was no ordinary shot; it was a perfect group, demonstrating the pinnacle of archery and precision shooting. The Scouts and other camp counselors came to see what I was doing, some even claiming that I only shot once and the rest were mere guesses. To prove them wrong, I arranged 10 used .22 brass cartridges in the logs of the shooting range, spaced about an inch apart.

I challenged everyone, including the adult leaders, to shoot more than 10 empty cartridges. My best result was hitting them all, which no one else managed to do. This challenge became a badge of honor, and I could always count on disbelief and amazement from those who took part.

The Decline of Vision and the End of Shots

Years have passed, and as my vision declined, so did my ability to perform such remarkable shots. Now, even with prescription contacts and a magnified scope, I can barely see the bulls-eye. This decline has added a bittersweet touch to my shooting experiences, reminding me of the importance of physical and mental health.

These stories are not just about hitting the target perfectly; they are about the conditions, the people, and the situations that make such moments unforgettable. They highlight the blend of skill, luck, and perseverance necessary to achieve the impossible.

For anyone interested in precision shooting, these tales offer inspiration and motive to hone their skills. Whether through deer hunting or archery, the pursuit of perfection is a journey worth taking.