Many positives come out of Youth Deer Hunt weekend in Illinois

As of late Monday morning, my email and Facebook accounts were already becoming inundated by a steady influx of stories and photos from successful youth firearm deer hunters. Many of the camps are reporting first time harvests for the young guys and gals. With the youth firearm deer season extending through Monday because of the Columbus Day holiday, I’m anxious to see what the extension of the season has done for the youth deer hunters here in Illinois.

As for me and 13 year old Luke Zelasko of Dubois, the weekend was full of ups and downs with times of heart racing excitement interrupted by moments of heartbreak. After all was said and done, we ended our weekend on a positive note creating a lasting friendship, enduring memories and taking away some valuable lessons on life and, of course, hunting.  

See our entire story in the November issue of Illinois Outdoor News.