“Andrew, there’s a deer behind that tree,” whispered Robert Dickerson. Slowly easing the gun up on the prop, Andrew got ready for action. In seconds the deer appeared to Andrew and me before quickly retreating back into cover. The excited youngster waited with rapt attention.

I had the privilege of guiding Andrew last Saturday on the National Wild Turkey Federation Wheelin’ Sportsmen youth hunt that was headquartered out of Bass Pro Shops in Pearl and sponsored in part by Bass Pro and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

Our host for the weekend was Dan Robinson on the Anevay Farm located near Edwards. Robinson hosted three youth hunters for a fun-filled weekend of deer hunting and fishing. The former Mississippi Woods and Waters magazine publisher had erected natural blinds in several spots for the special young hunters, including the one we were now in.

When the deer reappeared, Andrew quickly looked for an opening to shoot, but the doe went behind a clump of trees yet again. I told him to get ready because the doe was coming out the other side in mere seconds.

Andrew had his trigger finger ready as he held his emotions in check. As soon as the deer cleared the brush the youngster tried to get the crosshairs on the kill zone. Finally the crosshairs settled on the shoulder of the deer and the rifle roared. The doe jumped four feet high.

In an instant the startled deer hit the ground on all fours and bolted from the field. Andrew’s dad tried to console the dejected hunter as he was noticeably disappointed. I advised him that I thought he had hit the deer by the way she reacted at the shot. Seconds later I heard the telltale sounds of a thrashing deer.

In short order we vacated the blind and picked up a blood trail. As the three of us followed the blood, young Andrew quickly began to pick up the trail and follow along. “Is that a deer up there?” asked Robert Dickerson. Sure enough, not 15 yards ahead lay the expired deer. She had run just out of sight of the patch and dropped like a rock.

The one shot kill had fulfilled the hope and dream of a young lad that had become excited the instant he found out that he could attend the special hunt. Later in the day Andrew accomplished a rare feat by harvesting his first buck as well. Needless to say, his Dad and I were very excited and pleased as could be. I’ve guided many hunters on their first kill, but this one was right up there with the best of them.



Fishing with Murphy



Around 11 a.m. Ken Murphy eased his Ranger boat into the waters of Lake Anevay and loaded up a couple of kids. Andrew and Zachary Sellers joined him for some midday fishing. Both youngsters were treated to some fine guiding and instruction by one of the most knowledgeable anglers in the country.

With a little guiding, a lot of instruction and some hands on fishing help from Murphy, the youngsters had quite a day of fishing. When all was said and done both youngsters had caught lunker bass. And Andrew had landed the biggest bass of his life, thanks to Mr. Murphy.

On the second trip out Jim, Joey and Cain Brooks joined Ken and me in search of a bass or two for Cain. As soon as we reached our fishing spot Murphy pointed to where the fish would be located.

Seconds later Cain had on a lunker bass of his own. The bass fought its way around the front of the boat before jumping and putting on a show. After quite a battle Cain brought the bass to the boat and we quickly landed and admired the trophy. Snapping a quick photo we then released the bass to grow up some more.

After catching a few more bass the excited youngster decided to retreat to the camp for a siesta before the afternoon hunt. His midday trip had been very fun, exciting and rewarding.



Cain’s hunt



Dan Robinson guided Cain on his afternoon deer hunt on Anevay, along with his grandfather, Jim, and dad, Joey Brooks. After arriving at their chosen location they painstakingly set up a special table and a Lead Sled, a recoil reducing device, in the blind. Not long after they got settled down a deer appeared and the excitement began. Unfortunately, this deer wasn’t to be Cain’s first kill, as things didn’t quite go as planned and the doe left quickly.

Robinson advised them that it was still early and that they would probably see something before the day was done. Time flew by quickly and before they knew it another deer appeared in the patch. Getting a good shot was easier said than done, however.

Each time they got the special rig set up and on the deer, it would move again and they would have to start all over. Finally, after numerous tries, they got set up and Cain got ready. At the crack of the rifle shot the deer collapsed in a heap. Cain’s shot had been straight and true and his first kill was in the books! Oh what a celebration they had.

“Mike, I’d trade every deer I’ve ever harvested for Cain to get the deer he harvested Saturday afternoon. To me it was a trophy, the best trophy I’d ever seen!” exclaimed Dan Robinson. “Cain’s got more character than most adults I know, myself included.”

If you don’t believe dreams come true just ask Andrew Dickerson, or Cain Brooks. Thanks to a lot of special people the weekend hunt had become a field of dreams and good memories!