Harley's First Whitetail Hunt

"I can’t even begin to put into words how amazing of an experience my first time hunting has been. I have always had an interest in hunting, but without any family or friends who hunted, I didn’t really know where to begin to pursue it.

In an effort to start learning in any way I could, I attended the DSC Convention in Dallas where I came across Legends Ranch. In a nutshell I learned about and attended one of their wild game dinners by myself, where I instantly fell in love with the ranch and its amazing people. The wonderful connections made at the dinner turned into me returning for a fawn tagging clinic, and then into the opportunity of getting to hunt for the very first time ever.

Finding the words to convey the emotions that were felt during this hunt are difficult as it was such an indescribable experience. I flew back up completely by myself again, which added to my nerves a bit. I was very quickly blessed to make many new, amazing friends and getting to experience such a memorable moment with everyone there is something I will always cherish.

The peace that came from quietly sitting in a blind for the first time, observing nature and all its elements, was surreal. The fresh snow fall added to the magic of it all. Learning what we were looking for in a doe, seeing the size differences in them and simply watching these beautiful creatures and their habits, I was soaking it all in. After watching and waiting all week for the right one, she finally walked out on the last evening. The snow was beginning to come down hard, just adding to the element of it all. I could feel my heart speed up when my guide gave me the go ahead to take my shot, I took a very big deep breath and exhaled, slowly squeezing the trigger.

Once I realized she was down, I was flooded and overcome with emotions. I was shaking and started tearing up with excitement as I couldn’t believe I had just done that. The feeling of that successful shot is something I have never felt before. She was a big, beautiful doe. I will never forget walking up to her and how excited I was as well as my guide was too.

Getting back to camp, Tricia, Kelly, and Robert were the first, alongside my guide Greg, to celebrate with me. They enhanced the already special feeling, and I am very blessed to have been able to share this moment with them as I had pursued this adventure solo. I can now say I have never felt more at home in an environment, or around a group of people as I felt at Legends Ranch for my first-time hunt. I can say without a doubt hunting is my newfound home and passion. I look forward to growing friendships, hunting experiences and even more so, returning to Legends Ranch."

- Harley Dearing