The opening day of deer season is always filled with excitement, anticipation, and the thrill of what the day might bring. For seasoned hunter Kyle Thompson, Missouri’s opening day in late October would prove to be an unforgettable experience. Despite the usual hustle of early morning hunts, it was a big buck cruising through the woods mid-morning that would take center stage and make this opening day a legendary one.
Kyle had set up his stand in a strategic location along a known travel corridor. The area, deep in Missouri’s timbered hills, was prime deer habitat—thick with oaks, cedar, and an abundant supply of acorns, which made it a hotspot during the rut. The early morning hours were quiet, with only the sounds of rustling leaves and the occasional squirrel breaking the silence. Deer activity had been slow, but Kyle knew that patience was key.
As the morning wore on, many hunters had already packed up and headed out, assuming the early hours were their only opportunity. But Kyle had a feeling the deer were still moving. He stayed in his stand, watching the wind and waiting for signs of life. Then, at around 9:30 a.m., just as the sun broke through the trees, movement caught his eye.
There, through the dense timber, emerged a large buck—a massive 10-point with an impressive rack, cruising through the woods like he was on a mission. Kyle’s heart raced as he quickly sized up the buck, realizing it was the one he’d been scouting for weeks. The buck wasn’t rushing or chasing does; it was simply moving with purpose, likely searching for food or a mate.
Knowing he had one shot at this, Kyle slowly adjusted his position, trying not to make any noise. The buck continued its path, unaware of Kyle’s presence. As the buck moved into range, Kyle’s bow was already drawn, and with perfect timing, he released the arrow. It was a clean hit, and the buck bolted into the woods, disappearing from view.
Kyle waited patiently, not wanting to rush the recovery. After an hour, he climbed down from his stand and began tracking the deer. The blood trail was easy to follow, and within a short distance, he found the massive buck lying on the forest floor. His heart swelled with pride as he admired the beauty of the animal—his perfect opening day trophy.
Kyle’s successful hunt on Missouri’s opening day was a reminder that sometimes, the best opportunities don’t come at dawn but later in the day. With patience, preparation, and the willingness to stay in the stand, he was able to harvest one of the biggest bucks of his hunting career. It was a true testament to the unpredictability of deer hunting and the rewards of sticking with it.
