2017 - Kids keep hunting tradition alive and well in Northern Minnesota

November 14, 2017 • Voyageur Press

The Voyageur Press heard from numerous young hunters across the region, and one thing was clear during every visit: they were all smiling from ear to ear and could recall every detail of their memorable day in the woods. For many, it was their first deer. For others, it was another milestone in a growing hunting tradition. Here are some of their stories.

Emma Henderson Brings Home Her First Deer

Fifth-grader Emma Henderson of McGregor headed into the woods with her father, Josh, on opening morning. They hadn't been hunting long when her dad tapped her on the shoulder. “There is a deer,” he told her.

Emma remembers the deer standing between two trees about 80 yards away. She took her shot, despite her father's doubts that she would connect.

Before leaving home that morning, Emma had confidently told her mother she would be back in a couple of minutes after getting a deer. Sure enough, she returned about 10 minutes later with her first harvest!

Unfortunately, the excitement soon gave way to discomfort when Emma began reacting to the deer fur.

“While my dad gutted the deer, I started sneezing and my nose started running,” Emma said. The family stopped at Bann's to weigh the deer for a competition, but her symptoms worsened until her eyes were swollen nearly shut.

Despite the uncomfortable aftermath, Emma is proud of her accomplishment — and especially proud of the rifle she used, a .243 passed down through her family.

“It was my great-great-uncle's (Don) gun. He gave it to me,” Emma explained. “He is 93, and he gave it to my uncle, who never shot it before lending it to me. That's the gun I shot my first deer with.”

That's a first-deer story Emma won't soon forget!

Joe Stokke Gets His First Buck

South Ridge student Joe Stokke also harvested his first deer this season, a fork-horned buck. The hunt took place near Meadowlands, where Joe enjoyed time in the woods with his family.

The deer was taken from a stand the family had built just one week before the hunting opener. Talk about good timing!

Addison Sather Makes Her Shot Count

Fourth-grader Addison Sather of McGregor also brought home her first buck, a fork-horned deer, while hunting with her father, Eric.

Addison recalled approaching a field on opening morning and spotting deer already there.

“There were deer on the field, so we had to sneak up on them,” she said.

Once she had her opportunity, Addison took the shot.

“I just took a shot, and it went right through the neck,” she recalled.

Carson Hill Starts With a Big Buck

First-time hunter Carson Hill had an opening weekend that will be tough to top. Hunting with his grandfather, Mike Kruse, in the Tamarack area, Carson harvested a 150-pound, seven-point buck — one of the larger deer at his camp.

“We weren't even 30 minutes into the hunt, and we weren't even situated yet,” Carson said. “He walked out 80 yards away from my grandpa's deer stand, and I dropped him right there.”

Carson's mother was concerned that such a successful first season might set expectations a little too high.

“My mom didn't want me to shoot such a big one because she thinks my hopes will be up too high for next year,” Carson explained.

And they probably will be!

Grandpa's stand proved to be a productive spot. Four hours after Carson's success, his aunt, Courtney, harvested a nice nine-point buck from the same stand.

Jackson O'Bey Scores With a Bow

Fourteen-year-old Jackson O'Bey of the Alborn area celebrated a special milestone this season by harvesting his first deer with a bow.

Jackson had been hunting three or four times a week since the season opened. He recalled the successful Thursday morning hunt, which began around 8:30 a.m. when a button buck walked past him at a distance of approximately 20 to 25 yards.

Jackson hunts with his father, Rob, and his brothers, Carter and Braeden. His persistence and time in the woods paid off with his first bow-harvested deer.

Gracie Jordan and Her Siblings Find Success

Thirteen-year-old Gracie Jordan harvested a nice eight-point buck on opening day. It was her second buck, making the occasion another memorable milestone.

The Jordan family had even more reason to celebrate. Her 11-year-old sister, Lillia, harvested her first deer this season, while their 16-year-old brother, Wyatt, brought home a spike buck.

Three successful young hunters in one family made for a great opening day!

Tucker Murphy Gets His First Buck

Tucker Murphy also joined the ranks of successful young hunters this season, harvesting his first buck with a .30-30 rifle equipped with open sights.

Lily Kahara-Wallace Connects Near Cromwell

Lily Kahara-Wallace harvested a spike buck on opening night near Cromwell after a patient wait in the stand.

She had been sitting for about three hours when she heard rustling in the brush. The sounds continued for approximately 30 minutes before the buck finally emerged.

“I was just hoping a big deer would pop out,” Lily said. “I put it in my scope and took one shot.”

Her patience paid off with a successful opening-night hunt.

Chloe Schultz Celebrates Her First Deer

Chloe Schultz of Glencoe traveled to the McGregor area, where she harvested her first deer while hunting with her father and brothers.

The family celebrated the successful hunt with a trip to Big Dollar to pick up groceries for their hunting camp — a fitting way to mark the occasion.

Three Josephsons Harvest Six-Pointers

The Josephson family had an especially memorable season. Lilly Josephson, her brother, Austin, and their mother, Paula, each harvested their first bucks — and all three were six-pointers taken near Meadowlands.

That's an impressive family accomplishment!



From first-time hunters to young sportsmen and sportswomen adding another deer to their stories, the opening week provided plenty of reasons to celebrate. More importantly, these hunts created memories, carried on family traditions and gave young hunters stories they will be telling for years to come.