Thursday, November 29, 2012

Many deer hunters wait a lifetime in tree stands to bag that big buck, but one Wichita 9-year-old did not have to wait long at all.

John "J.W." McKay took an 11-point buck Wednesday, the first day of firearm season. It was also the first time he was allowed to hunt.

"When we first found the deer, Dad was all excited, giving me high-fives; hugging me," McKay said.

But Dad also had to be at least a touch envious.

"He basically said that the first day I shot a big buck and it was like one of the biggest that their dad has ever shot," J.W. said.

He shot his first deer late Wednesday afternoon while hunting with his dad in rural Sedgwick County. He learned a lesson in patience, too. J.W. wanted to try to take a doe that was an easy target for about 10 minutes.

"I was asking my dad if I could shoot it and he told me to wait," he said. "And then the 11-point just walked right out."

For as long as J.W. can remember, he has been tagging along on hunting trips with his dad, waiting patiently for his first shot at the sport.

"I've been quail hunting, I've been deer hunting, I've been turkey hunting," he said. "It's just been so exciting for me."

McKay is an avid fisherman, too, and he has no plans to give up his hobbies any time soon.

"My dad was a hunter, my grandpa's a hunter," he pointed out.