Joey forgot about me in the running tally of deer taken this year. It's true, I have never shot a deer, but I killed me one mean paper plate this year while sighting in my muzzleloader.

Here's the story-

One fine fall day, I went out to our lovely back yard to make sure that my gun still shoots straight and that I still shoot straight. I enjoyed the simple pleasure of loading my muzzleloader as my 5 month-old cooed contentedly from nearby. My dear husband took the doomed paper plate out 25 yards and taped it to a refrigerator box to serve as a target.

When he came back, he suggested that I aim for the square of black tape in the middle of the plate.

I sat down at the picnic table and took my time getting comfortable. I carefully placed the crosshairs on the square of black tape, let out a half breath, and slowly squeezed the trigger.

I looked through the scope again to check my shot, and I must say I was happy with what I saw.

Joe was too, and he decided to move the box back to 100 yards, to make sure the gun was accurate at that distance as well. He had planned to make this final shot to put the plate out of its misery. However, since I had started this hunt, I was determined to finish it.

I took the gun from his hands and got ready to shoot one more time.

Once again, I carefully situated myself at the table. I lined up the crosshairs with patience and a steady hand. I let out my ritual half breath and slowly, oh so slowly, squeezed the trigger until the gun exploded with a shot.

I tried to evaluate my shot through the scope once again, but couldn't see the tape clearly enough to tell if I had hit it. It was a long shot and a wary prey, so I was worried as Joe and I walked the long path back to the box.

And then, the moment of truth! I had made a good shot on the plate and now the trophy was mine.

I carried my trophy plate back to where my loving children waited and showed them the killing shot. I have included a picture of Cade and me sharing this special moment.

After that, I asked Joe if he might like to shoot my awesome gun and see if he could bag a paper plate too. He declined, saying that one paper plate was sufficient for one day. I have included a close up shot of the paper plate- this picture is graphic and should be avoided by the squeamish.

After this amazing hunt, I am looking forward to the 2007 deer season. I hope to shoot a monster from my choice stand in the hay mow of my barn complete with hot cocoa and a space heater.

Shoot straight!