By Kaleb Enderlin

I have been hunting and fishing with my dad since I was four years old and took my first deer when I was eight. I really love the outdoors and try to go hunting and fishing every chance I get.

On Dec. 1, 2007, my dad and I got up early and headed to a place owned by one of our friends. He has about 20 acres and most of it is right on the Guadalupe River, which is located about 250 yards from our hunting blind. 

Around 6:45 a.m., four white-tailed does came into the field to feed. We watched them for nearly 30 minutes and suddenly spotted an axis doe in an opening. Right behind it was a massive axis buck. I told my dad what I saw and handed him the binoculars. 

He gave me the gun, told me to take my time and shoot when I was ready. It looked like the two axis deer were going to come in, but they stopped about 30 yards from the does. The big buck turned, started back toward the river and stopped. I settled my sights on the deer, took a deep breath and dropped the buck in its tracks with my great-grandpa's .243. I had no problem taking a 100-yard shot at the buck.

To top it off, our friend said he had never seen an axis deer that big on his land. My trophy has 31-inch main beams, eight main points and two smaller kickers above the brow tines. I am very proud of this buck, and it will look great on the wall at home.

Kaleb Enderlin
Kellville, Texas