Awesome early fathers day present!

**PLP** · 06-23-2009 07:18 PM

My 8yr old has taken a few turkeys,and he has really been wanting to get a hog,and get ready for deer season.I didn't think he was ready to shoot a big gun,but he begged to try it.I knew the 20ga loaded with turkey loads kicked like fire,but he wasn't scared of it this year.

I also knew my savage 30-06 did not kick bad,but it is real loud.Anyways he begged and begged to try,I told him no so many times I was getting sick of it.So just to shut him up I took him out in the field one evening to shoot the gun.I used a set of shooting sticks,and drew a hog,and deer on a big piece of cardboard.He drew the dots where he was suposed to aim,and then we set him up.

First shot was at 30yds,and was less than 2" from bullseye,2nd one was as well,so I pushed him to make a fast shot,and he missed.I told him he wasn't ready,but the despration in his voice to try one more time made me give him another shot.I told him "trust yourself",within 6 seconds he pulled the trigger,and hit 1" from bullseye..good enough.Flipped the target over to the deer,and sat him down.He was within 1" of bullseye again.Yes it is a 30-06,and yes he is 8,but the boy can shoot,and he ain't scared.I nicknamed him 1shot Jacob....lol

So we went hog hunting,not much luck the first time or two,but on the third trip(today)Luck was in our favor.I had been scouting a little after work,and found some sign.Almost got a nice boar last monday,but just couldn't get up on him before he disappeared.We went there Saturday morning,and nothing but a truck in the area.

Disgusted I started scrambling.Nothing...nothing...nothing,then I found some!I saw 4 where I had seen a dozen a week ago.We checked the wind,and started stalking.I had been teaching him how to stalk,and he was doing great.When I stopped he stopped,and he always stayed behind me.

I saw the brush shaking ahead of us,and the hogs were coming to us.Bad thing is the wind was going almost to them.3 came right to us,but they were barely above the brush where I could see them.Much less a 4' 7" 8yr old.I inched us a little closer,and found an opening in front of the hogs projected path.I got my son in front of me.I put the gun on the shooting stick,and he got ready....

"I can't see 'em..I can't see 'em.."..He was starting to panic because he knew they were getting close,he may not get a clean shot,or they may run.I said calm down,and keep your eye on the opening.He did..A few seconds later a good 40# eater started getting close enough he could see her in the brush.I said "Don't you shoot it walking!"(I know he's not ready for that)But just like in a movie she stepped into the shooting lane...stopped...Man you don't understand the pressure I just know we are busted....She throws her head up,but before she can turn to run BAM!Jacob hammers her,and it's all over,she doesn't go anywhere.

The whole thing from her stepping in the shooting lane until he pulls the trigger is like 3 seconds.Wow!Unbelieveable!It was perfect,he made a super quick,super accurate shot!!Right where I told him!!Half way of the body up and down,and tucked up tight on the shoulder.The pic shows the shot placement..He's so excited we are gonna have BBQ...:D

What a wonderful early fathers day present...To see my son get his first hog!