A Family Affair ...

There’s nothing quite like deer season in Missouri. The crisp air, the changing leaves, the early mornings spent in the stand—it’s something I look forward to every year. But more than the hunt itself, it’s the time spent with family that makes it truly special.

This season, I was fortunate enough to harvest a beautiful, mature Missouri whitetail, and it’s a moment I’ll never forget. But what made it even more memorable was sharing the experience with my older brothers, Jesse and Steven, as we tracked blood and found the deer only 80 yards from the shot.

The hunt started long before I ever released an arrow. It began with scouting, learning the patterns of this buck over the last 3 seasons, and strategizing with my brothers on where and when to set up. Hunting has always been a family tradition for us, and having both of them along for the ride made it that much more special. 

When the moment finally came, and the buck stepped into range, my heart was pounding. I took a deep breath, drew my bow, and let the arrow fly. The shot was true, and after a short blood trail, we found him—a beautiful Missouri whitetail. That feeling of walking up on a buck you’ve worked so hard for, after hours in the stand and months of preparation, is impossible to put into words.

But what made it even better was celebrating that moment with Jesse and Steven. There’s something about sharing that success—the handshakes, the pats on the back, the stories told and retold—that makes it all worth it. It’s more than just hunting; it’s about the bond we share, the lessons we pass down, and the memories we make together.

Hunting isn’t just a sport for us—it’s a way of life. It’s where we learn patience, discipline, and respect for the land. And it’s where we create moments like this one, ones that we’ll talk about for years to come.

Until next time, stay safe, shoot straight, and we’ll see you soon From the Farm.

- Cole McBee