Father and son teamwork paid off for 12-year-old Woods Barmore and his dad, Forster. The family has two deer down and a freezer full of venison for the year ahead. Photo courtesy of Forster Barmore

New York’s Southern Zone early archery season kicked off Oct. 1, and it was special this year — not just because the woods became alive with fall color — but because it marked the first early archery season where modern crossbows are legal during the early big-game archery hunt.

For one 12-year-old hunter in Chautauqua County, Woods Barmore, this regulation change has made all the difference. Under the close mentorship of his father, Forster, the young outdoorsman took his first deer, a doe, and then his second whitetail deer, an 8-point buck, both with a crossbow, marking an unforgettable start to what promises to be a lifelong hunting tradition. Using his Centerpoint 370 crossbow with 400-grain bolts that included a 100-grain broadhead, the youngsters’ practice hours paid off.

Like all first-time youth hunters, the youngster followed New York’s youth hunting laws to the letter: blaze orange clothing for safety, direct supervision by a mentor with at least three years of hunting experience, and a valid big-game license earned after completing the New York State Hunter Education Course. This energetic young man enrolled in the online course and became certified in this most modern way available.

The boy had been dreaming of hunting for years, tagging along on his dad’s outings and soaking up every bit of woodsmanship. But this season, the deer tags would finally have his name on them. Early in the October hunting season, Woods harvested a doe, his first New York deer ever. His dad, Forster, said, “The deer was not a giant, but it was a healthy doe that we turned into burger and jerky.”

Then, about 10 days later, camaraderie and friendly competition kicked in when Woods learned through an article in the Dunkirk and Jamestown newspapers that a school friend, now living out of the area, 13-year-old Lucie Katta, had harvested a 12-point buck. Woods’ mom and dad both hunt, and his mom, Autumn, said, “Woods was thrilled for Lucie, but her buck definitely lit a spark.”

Even though a family move has put new schools between them, these two young hunters, who once shared a school hallway at Cassadaga Middle School, are now sharing the excitement of the early New York state deer hunting season. It seems they encourage each other and celebrate the thrill of the hunt in friendly competition.

That spark turned into a focus on a late afternoon sit last weekend. Woods had already taken a doe, and he was excited now to let the doe walk and wait for a buck. From a ground blind beside his dad, the young hunter steadied his crossbow and took his shot. His dad said, “It hit a bit far back, and the deer bolted into the timber.” That’s a scenario that tests every hunter’s patience and respect for the animal and the land. His dad added, “Rather than track the buck as it was getting dark, we made the call to wait until sunrise. At first light, my son and I took up the blood trail and soon found the 8-point buck lying not far from where it was last seen. It was a moment I’ll never forget,” said his dad. “The look on Wood’s face was pure pride and excitement. That’s what hunting’s about, respecting the animal and the land we hunt on.”

Forster and his son processed the deer together, turning the harvest into 75 pounds of wholesome family meals. His parents plan to have a shoulder mount done of the estimated 140-pound deer as a proud keepsake reminder of this first deer for their son, and the family teamwork that made it possible. This achievement is not just a personal milestone, but a testament to the future of hunting and the potential of our young hunters. It’s a cause for celebration and inspiration for all of us.

His mom, Autumn, an experienced hunter herself, chose not to hunt this year until her son had his first chance. “This was his season,” she said with a smile. “Seeing him succeed out there means more to me than getting one myself.”

The young hunter’s outdoor roots run deep in the family deep. He’s been fishing with his dad since age 4, learning patience, safety, and respect for the land and water. Now, at 12, he’s stepped into the next chapter of that outdoor heritage, one arrow (bolt), one lesson and one shot at a time.

As the family celebrates and prepares for a long winter of venison dinners, it’s clear that this milestone wasn’t just about the deer. It was about family, mentorship, and the enduring traditions that keep New York’s outdoor legacy strong. The new crossbow law and the kids? It sure seems like a great idea. Forster Barmore agreed, saying, “The new big-game hunting law change to allow crossbows in the early season in New York state was the best idea that ever came from Albany.”

Here is to steady aim, safe hunts, and a few good stories to share when hunters meet as friends and family everywhere, because in the end, the best part of the hunt is the bond between us all that keeps it alive.

Gotta love the outdoors.

CALENDAR

Nov. 1: Leftover Deer Permits go on sale; check dec.ny.gov for details.

Nov. 4: Niagara Musky Association, monthly meeting, 7 p.m., Eldridge Club, 17 Board St., Tonawanda

Nov. 4: Children in the Stream, Youth Fly Fishing program, free, Costello Room, Rockefeller Art Center, SUNY Fredonia, 7-8:30 p.m., 12 years old and older, info: 716-410-7003 (Alberto Rey).

Nov. 8-9: New York State Western Zone waterfowl hunting, military days, see syllabus for bag limits/rules.

Nov. 11: New York State Free Fishing Day, no license needed to fish for residents and non-residents (In honor of Veterans Day).

Nov. 14: Final Day of Southern Zone early archery season, and final day of New York State woodcock season.

Nov. 15: New York State Southern Zone regular (firearms) Southern Zone big-game hunting season opens, through Dec. 7.