It was the final evening I would have to hunt this season…I had taken my oldest son Caleb (9) and he was supposed to be the shooter. A full belly and a snowy afternoon got the best of him however, and he decided to lay down in the blind and take a nap. Not more than hour later I heard hooves in the water and crunching ice. The windows on that side of the blind were closed so I couldn’t see it yet but it was close…maybe 20 yds. I reached down and vigorously patted my son. He didn’t stir. Then I shook his shoulder, but he still wouldn’t wake up. With the deer so close I couldn’t speak. So that was that. Out came the spike and turned broadside at 15 yds. I recognized him right away. I had passed him twice in bow season…but I was out of time, and he was out of chances. My son and I had a great time field dressing him and dragging him out of the woods. I asked my son what lesson he had learned…he said…”Don’t sleep on stand, and I need caffeine pop!” A great day! Memories made and meat in the freezer. 2018 is in the books.