Been hunting? Carrying on the tradition
By Melissa Durazo, Nogales

Hunting has been in my family for the past three generations. I’m 15 years old and am proud to say I’m carrying on the tradition as the fourth-generation—and first female hunter—in my family.

The person who got me interested in hunting was my dad, Tony. I’ve accompanied him on hunting trips since I can remember. I took the hunter education course in 2004.

After applying for the past three years, I was drawn for last fall’s juniors’ hunt in Game Management Unit 36A.

On November 18, 2006, my dad, my great uncle Memo, and I went out early in the morning to see if we could spot any deer. All we saw that day were a couple of does and a little 2×2. I was unable to take a shot because it was too far away. The next day we woke up early and saw seven does together. I was disappointed because there was no buck with them.

I was unable to hunt the first few days the following week because of school, but on Wednesday my family and I headed out to do some camping and hunting over the Thanksgiving weekend.

On Thanksgiving Day, we went out early again to see if we could spot any deer while the sun was coming up. We spooked a white-tailed doe as we walked, then headed back to a place that we thought would be better for spotting.

Sure enough, I spotted a deer under a mesquite tree, bedded down and looking at us. I got my binoculars just to make sure it wasn’t a doe. I glanced at my dad and whispered, “It’s a buck, and it’s huge!” I aimed my rifle and took the shot at approximately 150 yards. The buck ran for about 80 yards and went down.

My dad and great uncle took pictures and then brought the truck to the side of the road where we had dragged the deer. It was so heavy that the three of us struggled to load the deer onto the truck. We went back to camp to show my mom, my great aunt Olga, and my little brother. They were surprised at the size of my kill—it was a 5×6.

This year’s junior hunt was a great experience for me—it was my first year getting drawn and taking a deer. Even if I hadn’t harvested the deer, the experience of spending time outdoors with my family was special. I have to admit, though—I sure am proud I got that deer!