A Christmas Eve Gift
For as long as I can remember, bowhunting has been more than just a hobby—it’s been a way of life for our family. It’s where we go to escape the chaos, to reconnect with nature, and to challenge ourselves in a way that few other pursuits can. There’s something special about the patience, skill, and respect that comes with bowhunting... especially mature North Missouri whitetails, and two evenings ago on Christmas Eve, I was reminded once again why I love it so much.
As the sun dipped below the Missouri horizon, I sat in my stand watching dozens of deer filter out into our standing bean food plot when all of a sudden, I got caught movement 400 yards away and could see a big buck step out into some warm season grasses. Throwing my binocs up, I could instantly tell it was the 6 year old fully mature 10 point that I had come into this setup for, but he wasn't headed my way at all.
Figuring there was no chance he'd respond to a grunt/snort wheeze combo but knowing I was out of the ball game if I didn't at least try, I let a couple loud grunts fly - and wouldn't you know it, he came in on a string ... but directly downwind.
At 50 yards and through a bunch of branches and brush, he skirted me and like all mature deer, sensed something wasn't quite right and turned to run away. Bounding out to 65 yards and stopping I knew it was now or never, and raised my Hoyt up to take the longest shot I've had to take on a big deer. At the squeeze of my release, I could tell my arrow tipped with a Bowmar Archery BEAST broadhead was flying true - and eventually ended up zipping through his midsection, sending him in an all out sprint until he stopped a short 60 yards later and piled up right in front of me. An incredible hunt and one I won't soon forget! 161" of North Missouri Whitetail.
Hunting has always been about more than just the harvest for us. It’s about the time spent in the woods, the lessons learned, and the memories made. It’s where we find peace, where we challenge ourselves, and where we stay connected to the farm we love. This Christmas Eve hunt was a reminder of why we do it—not just for the thrill but for the tradition, the respect for nature, and the gratitude that comes with every successful hunt, and I'll surely be thankful for this evening for the rest of my life.
Whether it's chasing whitetails in the fall, managing the land to support healthy wildlife, or simply sitting in a stand reflecting on life, bowhunting is a part of who we are. And that’s something I’ll never take for granted.
Until next time, happy hunting and stay tuned for more updates From the Farm.
- Steven McBee
