Mission Crossbows Rule as 8-Year-Old Drops His First Deer

by
posted on November 10, 2014

My nephew Joey is 8 so it was fitting that it was Nov. 8, in the 8 o'clock hour when he took aim with a Mission MXB-360 crossbow and got his very first deer—a 3-point buck. As it dropped in its tracks at 8:18 a.m. Saturday, a new hunter joined our ranks while sitting alongside his dad in a ground blind in Virginia—and while his happy aunt got to film the whole thing.

I'm very thankful that Joey's Uncle Phil Phillips and I have a place in Virginia because the state permits youths to hunt at any age providing they are with a licensed adult—unlike in his home state of Maryland where kids must be age 12. In being raised in a hunting family, Joey gets to understand and appreciate at an even younger age the importance of hunting and conservation, safety and ethics, and where hunters' all-important dollars go.

Of course, an important part of the hunt is the tool you use and, in this case, I can't say enough about Mission. Joey and his older brother, Andrew, 11, have Mission Menace and Craze compounds, respectively, but they don't yet draw enough weight to hunt deer. Fortunately, Mission packs a powerful punch with its crossbow line. Joey used the lightweight and quiet Mission MXB-360, which assembles in no time so you're out drilling your bag target that much faster. As for its accuracy, one bolt was all it took as Joey fired a well-placed shot.

Next up: Joey will be coming along with Andrew and Dad Joe when they visit Aunt Karen and Uncle Phil's place again soon so Andrew can put the Mission MXB-Dagger to the test. At just over 6 pounds, it's Mission's lightest, most compact crossbow to date. Venison backstrap, anyone? The boys also love venison jerky so they've already been on High Mountain Seasonings' website with Dad a few times to pick out a few new Jerky Cure and Seasoning Kits.

Latest

Trijicon New MRO SD Lead
Trijicon New MRO SD Lead

First Look: Trijicon New MRO SD

The next generation of Trijicon’s Miniature Rifle Optic is optimized for use with a magnifier.

Revolver Build: Fink's Custom Taurus Raging Hunter .44 Magnum

This big bore revolver is tricked out for handgun hunting, defense against dangerous game and personal protection. 

First Look: JK Armament RPX .30Cal Suppressor

JK Armament is proud to announce its all-purpose .30-caliber suppressor, the JK 155 RPX .30CAL.

Behind the Bullet: 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum

Curious about the 6.5-300 Weatherby Magnum? Learn about the history and performance of this storied cartridge in Phil Massaro's latest Behind the Bullet.

First Look: Rossi LWC Folding Stock

Rossi's Lightweight Carbine (LWC) has been a favorite truck gun and scouting rifle for hunters since its introduction. Now, Rossi USA is taking it a step further with the launch of the Rossi LWC Folding Stock—available both as a complete rifle and as an easy-to-install accessory for current LWC owners.

Safe Gun Storage After Hunting Season

With the close of deer seasons, many hunters have stored their firearms. While the basics of gun safety are covered in hunter education programs, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) recently issued a reminder that storage out of season should be reviewed by sportsmen.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.