Gavin Lewis, 13, the son of Jake and Amy Lewis, got his first buck recently in Solon Township. This big guy is an 8-point with a 17-1/2-inch spread. Gavin is a 7^th grader at Cedar Springs Middle School.

Chloe Petersen, 13, the daughter of Brian and Amy Petersen, of Gowen, went hunting in Lakeview with her Grandpa, Richard Jones, for the youth hunt. They were in a blind, and it didn’t take long before she saw her first buck. She was a little nervous, however, and was worried she wouldn’t make the shot so let him pass.

“After I calmed down, and let myself know that I shouldn’t be worried, another buck came out in front of the blind. I looked into the scope of the gun, aimed, and then shot. The 8-point buck fell straight back without running. At that time, I realized being scared was worthless. My joy was about to blast out of me,” said Chloe.

She added that there was 14 inches between its horns.

Congratulations, Chloe, on a successful youth hunt!

Brennan Harkema, 11, of Cedar Springs took his first deer—a four-point buck—on Sunday, Dec. 18, on an evening hunt with his dad.  Brennan was on the ground, set up behind a downed tree, while his dad was in a tree stand watching over a swamp.
Brennan’s buck stood up about 250 yards out and came straight to him. Brennan got a shot at about 20 yards with his crossbow. It was a great night for both Brennan and his dad.
Congratulations, Brennan!