Rachel Keevan

I’d been watching this eight-point since September. He was showing up on camera late at night or early in the morning, always hanging around, but I could never get him close enough. Two weeks ago I finally laid eyes on him at 88 yards, but still couldn’t make it happen.

This morning, just before 8 AM, I noticed a cardinal in that lane, immediately thought of my Grandpa Woodard who passed away 12/23/23. The property we hunt is private and Grandpa & my Great Grandpa left the property for family. Always love hunting with my family: my Grandpa, Dad, Uncles, sister, and cousins at “Wildwood,” and now my son! Thought of him immediately when I noticed the cardinal and thought maybe he’s sending a sign. 10 minutes later I saw this buck chasing a doe.I waited for him to swing west toward one of my shooting lanes. As soon as he stepped in my lane, I fired. He ran about 30 yards and went down.

My sister was sitting in the same field couple hundred yards away. She didn’t even realize I had shot. I tried calling her, but my hands were shaking so badly that I kept dropping my phone. I ended up asking Siri to call her. I told her to keep an eye behind her, just in case he got back up. She watched for about half an hour.

Then I suddenly hear two loud shots from her direction. I’m confused, thinking maybe my buck got up and headed toward the east woods…?

I walk down while she stayed in her blind to check at 10:30. Found a heavy blood trail from my buck and located him just 20 yards from her blind in tall grass. Then found another blood trail leading to hers. Both deer ended up about 60 yards apart, in the same field, on the same lane. 8 point & 7 point within 30 minutes.

My dad walked over and gave me a huge hug, I called my sister down, I started to tear up. I couldn’t believe I was able to connect with this beaut this morning.

A pretty incredible morning for the sisters. Thanks Grandpa for the sign. Miss him so much, thankful he’s still looking out and watching this fun group continue to make memories together at Wildwood. Love you gang!