"I awoke to the sound of Delton telling me to get up it was time to go. It was the third day of my first hunting experience. We were on his family's South Georgia farm in Treutlen County. This was going to be my day; I just knew it.

My first two days were spent in haste. As with any first time hunter, I was getting a bit discouraged. I had seen nothing those days and was beginning to wonder if I would. " Be patient " Delton told me, " you'll get one. " He always thinks positive for me.

The day of November 8th, proved Delton true to his words. I got up that morning still feeling a little down, wondering if I would see one today. As I was getting ready Delton asked me if it would be all right if he not go with me that morning, because he was really tired. I told him it would be fine.

I'll never forget that morning. The air was cold and crisp outside. I remember looking up and being able to see every star in the sky. I got into the truck and Delton took me back to the stand " D. F. A. " It was approximately six a.m. and still very dark. He dropped me off, kissed me for good luck, and left. I climbed up into the stand, got into my seat and waited.

The silence that morning was deafening. When you are alone in the woods that early, it takes your breath away. As I got comfortable in my seat, I knew then would be the perfect time to talk to God. I asked a lot of things of Him that morning and He fulfilled them all. I asked that He be with me that morning and keep me safe. I asked that He give me a steady hand, clear thoughts, and ability to focus. I also asked that He let me see and get at least a shot at one deer.

I asked these things of Him and patiently waited for the sun to rise. You know when the sun comes up in the woods. The birds sing and squirrels start playing games. I was watching all of these things when my moment came.

Little rays of sunshine just barely started peeking into the food plot in front of the stand. Then, something caught my eye, a shadow, was it moving? I looked even harder and realized it was. A deer! I could hardly believe my eyes. I sat silent, hardly breathing. I watched, in awe, as three more deer came into my view. I couldn't believe it. I asked God for one and He had given me four.

It was still quite dark, so I could only see shadows. Oh, why wouldn't the sun come up any faster. Moving at the speed of a snail, I took Delton's 7 mag. and looked into the scope at one of the deer. It was still too dark for a shot so I could only wait. I placed the gun back into position on its hold and prayed the sun would be quick. I had just sat back when I heard some rustling to my right. Again, moving slowly I looked and what should I see? Two more deer!

I couldn't believe it. Twenty-five yards away in a fire break stood two more of Gods most beautiful creatures. Slowly I moved my hand and grabbed the gun. Never once moving my eyes, I slowly moved myself into position. The way I was sitting, I had to use my left shoulder to take the shot. Inching the 7 mag onto my shoulder, I looked through the scope. What did I see? A tree branch! It was in my way!

How in the world was I supposed to shoot a deer with a branch in my way? I had to think of something, and quick! But if they saw me, they would run. As cautiously as I could, I maneuvered around to get the gun on my right shoulder. I could only inch along, as they were taking turns looking at me. After what seemed an eternity, I was finally in position. I raised the gun to my shoulder and looked through the scope. Perfect... I had my shot.

With my heart pounding and trying to breathe, I put the crosshairs on the deer in the back. He was the only one I could get a clear shot on. For anyone who hunts, trying to calm oneself is near impossible. I tried to clear my mind and remember everything that Delton had told me. It's hard to think straight when you're in that position. While remembering to take a deep breath, I fogged up the scope. It seemed as if I was working against myself! Not being able to see, I had to take my finger and wipe off the scope. Finally... I could take my shot.

I took a deep breath, let it half out, and pulled the trigger. For an instant I heard nothing, then I came into focus and wondered if I had made a hit. I started to count, "one-one thousand, two one-thousand" then "crash" – I had gotten him! It was then I realized I wasn't breathing. You could never imagine how a deer can make you feel, until you take your first.

I waited a few moments, then on wiggling legs and all, climbed out of the stand to find my deer. I walked out of the stand onto the firebreak where he stood, turned right, and 10 yards away laid my beauty. On first glance, I thought it was a doe. I hurried home to get Delton, nearly running. I got home and woke him up to ask him to help get my deer. I find out that he's more excited than I was! He wakes up Brian, his little brother, and asks him to help. We go to where my deer lay, and Brian lets me know it's a small buck – a buttonhead.

My first experience will never be topped. My deer may have not been a trophy to everyone, but it will always be one of my most fond memories. Thank you God for my little buttonhead..."