Although Jawbreaker fishing charters specializes in offshore, deep-sea fishing charters in the Tampa Bay area, we do recognize great sportsmen from all over the the U.S.A. That being said, the following report is about our good friends, and very repeat clients, the Buddes'.
Dan Budde and his son DJ were hunting for Whitetail deer just north of their home in Wilmington, Illinois. It was Sunday, January 16, the last day of the hunting season. There was only 30 minutes of daylight left. Dj was in a tree stand in a small timber patch when a 'spike' buck came out of the woods, he was about 25 yards away from DJ's stand. Behind the spike was the "big boy", waiting to see what the young spike would do. The spike moved past Dj and the big buck came within range, stopped and looked up at young DJ. (I can only imagine what was going on in DJ's chest, probably why the buck looked up) When the buck put his head down and started to move on...DJ took the shot!
DJ later said that he felt like the hit was too far to the rear, but it must have been just right. These guys waited for a whole hour, in the dark, before they started to track this beautiful buck. They found DJ's buck only 100 yards from where he was shot. Funny thing is, DJ had a chance at this same deer 2 days earlier. On that occasion, the buck came out about 10 yards behind DJ. When he drew his bow, the buck saw his movement and high-tailed it out of there. Either way, it was meant to be and DJ is now my hero. Did I mention this was his first deer? Way to go kid!
I remember the first time I met Dan Budde and his wonderful family. Dj was just a young spike himself, still clutching to Dad's leg. These guys are true sportsmen from the word 'Go'. I look forward to taking them fishing every year, and look especially forward to this year. Seeing a young man, or lady, display this kind of love and respect for nature is a true inspiration. There is hope for our future, it is DJ Budde and all of those like him...way to go Deputy Dan! See you guys in March! Happy fishing, and hunting to ya, Capt. Dan