Girl gets deer on first hunting trip
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine — A first-time deer hunter has something to be thankful this Thanksgiving, after having her first successful hunt this fall. Riley Clough, 11, of Fort Fairfield, has been hunting before — having tried her hand at turkey hunting, albeit unsuccessfully, earlier this year with her brother and stepdad, Scott Cyr. Luck was on her side Nov. 11 however.
“This was the first time she ever deer hunted and was her first day out. She has grouse hunted and turkey hunted for the first time last year, but was unsuccessful with the birds,” said Cyr.
He said that’s been the extent of her experience in the woods.
Cyr, an experienced hunter, said he enjoyed sharing the experience with Riley.
“We actually had to do a short stalk on the deer and I got her set on shooting sticks in a kneeling position and she steadied herself and placed the shot perfectly,” said Cyr. “The deer ran about 25 yards and was down. It was a quick, humane kill shot.”
He said Riley was quite excited by it all.
“After the shot she yelled ‘I got it, I got it!’ It’s a great memory that will last a lifetime for both of us,” he said.
Cyr said he’s been hunting with many others over the years but this is one of the most memorable moments of all.
“I have taken many kids and first-time hunters throughout my time as a registered Maine guide, but this trumps any of them. I’m so proud of her,” said Cyr.
