Lessons From My First Ram: A Big Game Hunting Memoir
There is nothing quite like the feeling of your first big-game hunt. I remember it vividly—the anticipation, the nerves, and the overwhelming sense of accomplishment when everything finally clicks. I was only 11 years old when my dad took me to Colorado for a hunt on a 500-acre private property. While it was a different experience than the public-land hunts I would eventually grow accustomed to, it was the perfect introduction to the world of big game.
The Scouting Challenge
Free hunting map, zones & 50-state resources
Save your spots, share zones with your group, and get deer & waterfowl movement forecasts, free.
We arrived with a specific target in mind: a ram that my father had scouted previously. We spent the first few hours of the morning glassing, trying to spot him through the rugged terrain. When a few hours of effort didn't yield a sighting, we decided to get some local intel from the landowner. He took us out in his side-by-side to cover more ground, and it didn't take long before we found our target. He was tucked away in an old shed with two other rams.
Making the Shot
When the landowner flushed the rams by tossing rocks toward the shed, the animals bolted. I didn't have a clear shot immediately, so I held my fire and waited for the right opportunity. They didn't run far; they scrambled up a nearby rocky hillside, giving me the window I needed. I settled in at about 100 yards, resting the rifle—my dad's trusty .30-06—and took the shot. It was a clean hit, straight through the heart. Seeing that animal drop was the highlight of my young life.
The Reality of Field Dressing
Once the adrenaline faded, the real work began. Getting up to the ram was a moment of pure awe; the animal was even more impressive up close. However, I wasn't exactly a seasoned veteran yet. At 11, I had two major hurdles: I was terrified of wasps and still quite squeamish about touching dead animals.
Learning to skin an animal properly is a rite of passage for every hunter. It was an educational, if slightly intimidating, experience that taught me that hunting isn't just about the shot—it’s about the care and respect for the animal that follows. That day taught me more about anatomy and field craft than any book ever could.
Honoring the Memory
Today, that ram skull still sits on my shelf. It serves as a constant reminder of the bond I share with my father and the lessons we learned together in the field. Since that day in Colorado, I have been fortunate enough to harvest many more animals, and each one adds a new layer to my experience as a hunter.
E-Tag States
Harvest Tags
E-check means you supply the tag. Printed with the exact fields your state requires.
3-pack $22.95
Youth Hunter Academy
Raise a safe, confident young hunter.
Safety missions for ages 5–17. Free parent account.
In the years since, I have learned the importance of preparation. Today, as we navigate the complexities of modern hunting, I use Buckeye Hunter Hub to keep my records organized. Between checking deer movement forecasts, utilizing scent mapping, and using the harvest logging tools to keep my stories and photos in one place, I make sure the memories I create today are preserved for the next generation.
Whether you are hunting on a private ranch or navigating vast public tracts, the core of the experience remains the same. It is about patience, understanding the terrain, and honoring the tradition of the hunt. Keep your gear ready, watch your wind, and enjoy every moment in the woods.
Free every morning
Your Daily Briefing
One morning forecast for the spots you actually hunt and fish: deer movement, waterfowl flights, bite times, wind and shooting light.
See what's in itSet up your briefing
Join free, save a spot on the map, then pick what you hunt and fish and when you want your email.
Join 1,171 hunters and anglers on Buckeye Hunter Hub — free.
Latest from the Community
Everything you need to hunt smarter — free
Buckeye Hunter Hub is a free, nationwide platform. Create an account and unlock the full toolkit:
Free Interactive Hunting Map
Mark stands, cameras, and sign. Draw hunting zones with public land & county overlays across all 50 states.
Zones with Group Sharing
Share zones with your hunting group, split property into sections, assign stands, and check in — all in one place.
50 States of Hunting Resources
Season dates, license links, and DNR regulations for every state, kept current so you never miss an opener.
Deer Movement Forecast
Data-driven daily movement predictions using wind, moon, and pressure — know when to sit before you go.
Waterfowl Movement & Tools
Flight-potential forecasts, migration numbers, decoy spread planner, and a full species field guide.
From the Maker Bench
Taggart Outdoors
Custom Western Belt
Hand-built in the USA · $127.99
Shop the MakerBHH Partner
Thinking about selling a rifle or an old family shotgun? Check up-to-date market pricing by make and model before you sell.
webuyguns.comE-Tag States
Harvest Tags
E-check means you supply the tag. Printed with the exact fields your state requires.
3-pack $22.95
More Articles
Data-Driven Decisions: Decoding Your Trail Camera Photos with Intelligent Automation
Tired of spending hours sorting through thousands of empty trail camera photos? Discover how to use automated image recognition to identify deer, track buck growth, and pinpoint movement patterns in minutes.
Optimizing Your Scouting: How AI Transforms Trail Camera Management
Drowning in thousands of trail camera photos? Discover how to use automated AI analysis to identify bucks, does, and movement trends in seconds.
From Field to Table: The Ultimate Guide to Wild Hog Pulled Pork
Turn your next wild boar harvest into a backyard feast. This guide covers the essential techniques for transforming lean, tough hog shoulder into melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork.
Built to Pursue: Meeting Richard Taggart of Taggart Outdoors
In the heart of Utah, Richard Taggart is keeping a family legacy alive one stitch at a time. Discover how Taggart Outdoors is bringing old-world craftsmanship to your modern hunting kit.