Scout HD 125 Story
Name: Megan DiCenzo; age 8
Date: October 17, 2007
Place: Forest, Virgina
Horton Crossbow: Horton Scout HD 125
As long as I can remember, I always wanted to deer hunt. I remember my first hunting season at age 12 in Northern Pennsylvania and I remember my first deer, a yearling doe in the National Forest of Virginia while I was a student at Virginia Tech. I even remember the string of misses that preceded that first deer. Hunting to me has always been more than a hobby – it’s a lifestyle and part of that lifestyle is the friendships that have developed.
However, I never would have dreamed that my favorite hunting buddy would be my eight year old daughter Megan. She has always shown an interest in the outdoors - hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting. Since she was in kindergarten, she has gone with me a few times each year on hunts. In 2006, not only was she with me when I harvested a spike, but she called it in and spotted it first! During the summer of 2007, she told me she wanted a crossbow so that she could do more than accompany me! I chose the Horton Scout 125 because it is specifically designed for youth hunters. The first week she had the Scout, Megan practiced diligently and I was impressed with her ability but also the speed, precision and accuracy of the Scout.
On October 17, schools were closed and Megan wanted to try her luck on a morning hunt. We were in our buddy stand 15 minutes before light, and about 8:00, I spotted two deer heading toward a giant white oak that we were set up on. I told Megan that the second deer was a buck and she instantly decided that was the deer she wanted! Luckily, the doe fed on the far side of the oak, leaving only one set of eyes and ears to deal with. I passed the crossbow to Megan and she positioned it on the shooting rail, but the young buck was behind too many limbs. My legs were shaking and Megan confessed that she too was nervous! As we watched the 3 pointer feed on acorns, it gave us time to relax and just enjoy watching him. After 10 minutes, he appeared to be heading for an opening, so I ranged him and told her to let me know when he was clear. Like a veteran hunter, Megan whispered, “two steps, one step, clear”. I told her to put her finger on the trigger, take a deep breath and squeeze. Before I could say “squeeze” a second time, the bolt was on its way! Megan knew she made a great shot and instantly turned for a hug with a huge grin and a wide eyes. I could tell the buck was hit hard and made her turn and watch as he fell 40 yards away! She had made a perfect 22 yard shot, clipping the heart, passing through both lungs and going completely through the right shoulder. Tears welled up in our eyes as we hugged and gave thanks for not only the deer, but the experience that we shared. It was not only one of the greatest hunts I have ever been on, but a snapshot of future hunts with my newest and favorite hunting pal.
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