Teen’s Hand-Written Hunt Story Impresses GON Editors

Abbie Westra downed an impressive Houston County 8-point buck last week, and it was her hand-written story of taking the buck that was also impressive to the editors when her big-buck contest entry cycled through the GON office.

The 15-year-old from Warner Robins entered her 8-point Houston County buck the old-fashioned way. Instead of using the online entry form—which is super convenient, as the entry form and hunt story can be typed in on a computer and sent with a simple click—Abbie sent her entry form and photos through the mail. Included in that package was a page and half of notebook paper with her hand-written story.

In a day and age when many kids seem a bit too glued to devices and phones, Abbie’s story was refreshing. With perfect grammar, wonderful writing and a sense of humility, her message showed a love of faith, family and deer hunting. It was a reassuring story that these kids growing up close to the outdoors are some of our best and brightest.

Here is Abbie’s story:

“On Nov. 17, 2019, I decided to go hunting that afternoon. I got out there and all set up by 4:30 after our tradition of praying before the hunt. My dad, mom and I prayed to see lots of deer and that if we shot, that Jesus would guide our bullet. And He did…

“I remembered the steps that I had been told so many times; load the gun; make sure it is on safety, then set the gun down.

Abbie Westra included a hand-written hunt story along with her entry in the Truck-Buck Contest and the Youth Big-Buck Contest.

“Shortly after this was completed, I started to look around me in every direction, making sure that no deer came out without notice first. As I started to look left, I was suddenly surprised at what stared back at me. A wide, big-bodied 8-point concentrated his gaze on me without compromising. It felt like an over-drawn staring contest.

“I immediately turned to my creator, the Lord, and asked simply for help, because I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t pick up my gun, for he was sure to run away. It would take a miracle to get this buck on the ground.

“Finally, after what seemed like ages, he again started to walk and graze. As he moved across the tree in front of me, I had the opportunity to pick up my gun and rest it on the setup. He stood quite still, when I was a shaking mess. POW!!!

“Before I knew it, the deer was dead on the ground, with me holding proudly this marvelous animal. He was bigger than what I expected and deserved. There was absolutely no doubt in my mind that he was a gift from God. I couldn’t have done it without Him. The setup was perfect and the opportunity, as well. Also, a big thanks to my dad. He is so patient as a teacher and hunting guide, and he knows his stuff well. It would have been truly impossible without him.”