A Memorable Father-Daughter Hunt in Pennsylvania
January 22, 2025Ryan Randolph shares the story of a special day in the woods with his 14-year-old daughter, Anna. Together, they experienced an unforgettable hunt in Waterford, Pennsylvania, where Anna harvested her biggest buck to date using the CenterPoint Wrath 430X.
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Ryan! Let’s start with where your hunt took place.
Our hunt took place in Waterford, Pennsylvania. It’s a spot we’ve hunted for years, but this one was extra special.
Nothing like hunting a familiar patch of ground ! When did this hunt happen?
It was on October 8, 2024. It was a great fall evening to be out in the woods.
Can you tell us about the weather conditions that day?
The weather was ideal for hunting. We had clear skies, with the daytime high in the mid-60s, and it cooled down to around 50 degrees in the evening. It was perfect for deer activity.
Who were you hunting with that day?
I was with my 14-year-old daughter, Anna Randolph. I filmed the hunt while she harvested her biggest buck to date. It was an incredible experience to share with her.
Congratulations to Anna! How big of a buck did she harvest?
Anna's white-tailed buck had 7 for-sure measurable points, and there was a possible 8th tine—you could hang a ring on it. The buck had a 17-inch spread and weighed about 200 pounds.
That’s a great buck! What gear did she use?
Anna used a CenterPoint Wrath 430X crossbow. It performed flawlessly and made all the difference in making this a successful hunt.
Can you walk us through the story behind the hunt? What made it memorable?
Absolutely! With about 30 minutes of daylight left, we spotted the buck entering the field alongside a 6-point and another 8-point buck. This one decided to break away from the group and came across the field very fast, almost catching us off guard. It got so close that we had to move quickly to get ready for the shot. After Anna made the shot, we didn’t find much blood at first, which had us worried. So, we reviewed the video and decided to give it some time before tracking. A few hours later, we found blood at the woodline. Surprisingly, the buck had doubled back toward the field and expired just inside it. He ran maybe 50 yards total.
That must have been nerve-wracking! How far was the shot, and how was the placement?
The shot was at about 10 yards, which is incredibly close. The placement was a little high and back, which made us nervous, but the CenterPoint Wrath 430X didn’t disappoint. It got the job done, and Anna couldn’t have been happier.
How did the recovery process go?
Once we found the blood trail at the woodline, it was pretty straightforward. The buck hadn’t gone far at all—about 50 yards. Finding him brought such a sense of relief and excitement. It was a moment we’ll never forget.
What does this hunt mean to you and Anna?
All of our hunts are special, but this one meant a little more because it was Anna’s biggest buck yet. Sharing this moment with her and watching her grow as a hunter is something I’ll cherish forever.
That’s a beautiful sentiment. Thank you for sharing your story, Ryan, and congratulations to Anna on her impressive buck!