Milestones

On September 13th we went on a guided hunt with Mike Kerley of Kerley's Sporting Adventures. Mike is beyond a first class outfitter who can make your dream of a lifetime come true . The accomodations were impecable and service outstanding . Upon arrival to the gate to the Castro Valley Ranch in Gilroy, CA ....A historical ranch of California, we were greeted by Mike himself and long time friend Domenic Genco who I haven't seen in years. A good sign right off the bat. It wasn't long after we stowed our gear in the ranch house which was used in the movie East of Eden that we were off and running scouting for a deer for Eric. It was minutes when we spotted several 2 year old bucks that will get bigger and as early as we were at seeing deer , it wasn't in our game plan to take a breeder ......The ranch is awesome and we were pleased to see such beauty and outstanding habitat. Turkeys, bobcats, bandtail pigeons , dove, deer, hogs,and eagles abound mingled with the cattle that graze in the open land this ranch provides. About 6:45  Mike spotted a large bodied buck eating acorns that due to the wind howling was unaware of our presence . After thoughtful consideration and aggreement that this would be a good first buck for Eric, Mike and Eric proceeded to make a short stalk of it and take this nice buck...........As happens on occasion Eric and Mike discovered that the Redfield on my Remington wasn't up to snuff and had lost it's gas allowing for a good view so without any loss of patience or complaints they returned to the jeep and at first decided to pass up the buck and continue the hunt . However I said that the Ruger was the backup gun and suggested that they use it and get the job done . Mike figured like most bucks by now , once disturbed and chased out of their bed , the deer would be gone. Amazingly and to everyones dismay the deer walked back to it's original locatiion on the hillside and bedded down once again .......Eric grabbed the Ruger and once again made his way with Mike to the barbed wire fence. Taking Mike's direction perfectly and Dads coaching , Eric placed the most perfect shot I've ever seen at about a 45 degree angle uphill and at about 175-80 yards away. The deer never moved ! With Mike standing behind Eric glassing the hit and ready to direct if needed, Eric perfectly placed one shot to kill his first buck. We all enjoyed watching this and seeing a patient and gracious young man perform like a professional.

Congratulations son and Thanks so very much to Mike & Dominic for your outstanding service . You are what it's all about and we sure will once again cross paths to do this again .

Congratulations Eric .............Love Dad !