Brother & Sister In Iowa Deer Hunt Together

By Steph Lane

On an Iowa October evening in Washington County, mentor Jacob Heumphreus and myself took brother sister duo, Jacob and Jayden Houtekier out for their first deer hunt. Both athletes of the Davenport Youth Trap Team, who has been a huge supporter in getting their athletes outdoors.

They had been pheasant hunting in the past and have taken a big interest in hunting and the outdoors. Jacob and Jayden’s Grandfather was an avid hunter who chased duck, deer, geese and pheasants but currently had few people to take them and teach them. We were honored to be a part of their hunting journey and mentoring them!

We all sat along a tree line, ready for deer to come through from any direction, covering our left and right. After about 2 hours of quiet and waiting, a buck showed himself and came out from our left side. Jacob was on the left and had the best opportunity, he steadied, and at 72 yards, fired. We watched as the deer fell and dropped 25 yards away. He made a great shot and harvested a 4 point buck. His first deer!

The look on their faces and reaction was everything! We called their mom to join in the celebration and field dressing of the buck. When she arrived she had a huge smile on her face and gave her son the biggest hug. That is what it's all about. 

The kids got their hands dirty and helped with the field dressing of the deer, and were great sports! Jayden got the opportunity to hunt again a few weeks later. 

We asked them, “why do you like hunting?” Their response, “it’s a great hobby to have and it’s fun shooting guns.” When asked what their most memorable part of the deer hunt was, Jacob said “watching Jacob the mentor gut the deer!” and Jayden said “getting to pet the deer!”

I think we have a couple more new hunters here in Iowa. Congratulations on your deer Jacob and we are so excited for both of your journeys and adventures outdoors!