She knew he was out there, but it was anyone’s guess if the big buck would show his 10 points again this year.
The family farm is close to 100 acres large, and the next homestead is unfenced and even bigger. But out of nowhere and in the pouring rain, Leah O’Neill saw something. She heard, maybe, a sharp snap, too, and then … there he was, the property’s king wearing his glorious crown.
She lifted her .243 Winchester rifle, and there the Goliath stood, in her scope’s crosshairs, and it was perhaps the single most improbable moment for a mother of three who grew up on Wheeling Island. Her 374-acre childhood neighborhood was covered with houses and businesses just like all the others in the Friendly City, but the only deer on the Island EVER are the plastic, illuminated ones at this time of year.
So, yes, that’s right, it IS fair to wonder what in the world this daughter of a grocery store owner (Neely’s), manager of a Mexican restaurant (El Gran Patron), and former Wheeling Central Catholic cheerleader is doing sitting in a tree stand in the middle of nowhere in Marshall County. That is, of course, until O’Neill took a deep breath, closed her eyes, heard her husband Wyatt’s advice, and recalled her father Lance’s calmness, and then …
BOOM!!!
The big fella dropped, the harvest commenced, the children learned, and this former River Rat now has her trophy buck.
So, how did a girl from Wheeling Island become the next great buck hunter of Marshall County?
This question makes me laugh and warms my heart.
I definitely don’t consider myself great, however, I’ve learned from great. I became the hunter that I am because I watched my father get it done, and I was intrigued from a young age. Once I married into a family where hunting was also their thing it sparked my interest even further.
I got into my stand-alone at 5:30 a.m. two years running. It’s scary, exhilarating, fun and peaceful. I guess I could say it’s also a little lonely, to me at least, so when Tuesday rolled around this year I said I wanted Wyatt, my husband to go with me. He is obviously my good luck charm. He has been there all three times that I’ve had a successful hunt.
Much like my dad, Wyatt has taught me the skills I have needed to succeed in these hunts. He is also who bought me my first gun. The buck I was fortunate enough to see this year, let’s just say, I will never forget it. It was pouring rain, and he appeared from nowhere. He may just be, for me, the buck of a lifetime. An old, unique 10-point. He’ll be on our wall forever. And I feel extremely blessed.
Why did you believe it was a good idea to get your children involved with the sport?
It was important that my children learned the sport for so many reasons, but I guess I’ll start with family tradition, the importance of getting outside, responsibility, gun safety, which is our precious Second Amendment.
We tell them all the time we respect these animals, and we thank the good Lord for whatever he sends us. My boys are 12 and 9, and they started hunting about four years ago. So much prep work goes into it, and that alone is a success to me. Watching them put the pre-work into what it takes to be successful and safe in the woods means so much to me and my husband because of what they are learning.
And they get it done! They amaze me. Watching them learn, grow, and have a love and respect for the sport like I did makes everything worth it. It has come full circle.
What are your favorite recipes for venison?
I don’t necessarily have a favorite recipe, but many would be surprised by what a little onion and soy sauce can do for deer meat.
This makes me smile to this day because, as a kid, my mom would cut ours into little steaks, and add your spices and butter. It’s the best! My dad makes deer jerky and bologna. I’ll learn his secrets soon, believe me.
In your opinion, what are the three most important keys to learning how to be a good, responsible hunter?
So, right off the bat, I have to say safety first, patience, and preparedness. Learning to be a good and responsible hunter you must be consistent, willing to accept failure, able to handle the elements as far as weather goes, and having the mindset to keep your cool, appreciate your surroundings, and take it all in.
What are your reasons for staying here in the Upper Ohio Valley after your education was complete?
My reason is plain and simple … family and friends. I love this valley. I love West Virginia. Everyone that I love and cherish are all around me.
