Father and daughter have successful hunt
I really like it when moms and dads spend time in the outdoors with their sons and daughters. Recently there was an occasion that caused a great celebration in the Schultz family. Freshman Hailey Schultz and her dad, Jay, went archery deer hunting and the result was a fine 8-point buck.
On Oct. 3, Jay picked up Hailey after school and went to their favorite deer stand near Bureau Creek. After about a 1/4 mile, they got to their stand and climbed in. After about an hour and a half, they still hadn’t seen a deer. They decided to leave and when they entered a picked cornfield, they spotted four does and a buck. Hailey asked her dad if they could get a little closer. Then another doe and a coyote emerged from the far side of the field.
Jay grunted a little and the buck started coming towards them. He shook a leafed tree and the buck came towards them a little faster. When the buck got within 25 yards, he stopped and turned, Hailey drew her bow, aimed behind the front leg, and released. The buck whirled and ran towards the does. He then stumbled and fell to the ground. It was over.
Hailey and Jay gave each other a big hug and walked to her deer. Then another hug and some yelling and screaming as they celebrated her first deer. Then they went back to the truck so they could pick up the deer.
Jay related his emotions about the adventure. “Without a doubt, the best days of my bow hunting career have been with my kids Hunter and Hailey. We have been through a lot of highs and lows during our hunts, but when it all comes together, it’s awesome.”
• The Spring Valley Boat Club’s annual Youth Day fishing outing was a great success. Scouts from Henry, Peru and Spring Valley participated in this year’s event. Many of these youths help the Walleye Club when the MWC tournament is in town.
In return, the SV Walleye Club takes all helpers, scout leaders and parents out for a day of outdoor fun.
A variety of sauger, white bass, sheep’s head and crappies were caught.
Following a morning on the Illinois River, the scouts, parents and guides were treated to lunch that was also provided by the club.
For more information on the Spring Valley Walleye Club, you can check out its website at Spring-Valley-Walleye.org
• Don’t forget to get your ticket for the annual Ducks Unlimited banquet to be held at the Met on Oct. 27. As usual, it promises to be a gala event with lots of fine raffles and auction items as well as some great guns. Be sure to get your ticket early. This can be accomplished by calling Erik Ellberg at 815-876-6659 or Bret Brown at 815-303-0884 to reserve your ticket.
• The annual Bureau County Pheasants Forever Youth Hunt still has a few openings for their live hunt to be held at Hickory Grove Hunt Club on Oct. 20. Participants must be 12-18 years of age, hold a hunter’s safety card, and an Illinois hunting license. For more info, call Scott at 815-408-1276 or Eric at 815-646-4844.
Lee Wahlgren is the BCR Outdoor columnist. Contact him at pdub52@gmail.com
