Maycee Ridge, 15, of North Wales bagged her buck on Dec. 4 in Lower Gwynedd Township. (Image by David Ridge)
Learn how this 15-year-old girl got into the sport, which is less common in and around Montgomery County, Pa.
One North Wales girl is helping to control the area’s deer population, which may not be what every 15-year-old sophomore teen does in her spare time. But Maycee Ridge has been hunting since the age of 9.
“My dad taught me how to hunt,” said Maycee, whose father, David Ridge, taught both his son and daughter how to hunt for deer. “Primarily, I go [hunting] with my dad, but on occasion, I go with my older brother, Brett.”
This year’s hunt for Maycee was quite the success. On Wednesday, Dec. 4, right in Lower Gwynedd Township, she snagged a buck with 11 points to its rack and a 13.25-inch spread. It was quiet the trophy, which looked almost bigger than the Calvary Baptist School student herself.
David Ridge had been hunting most of his life, spanning over 30 years of experience. He said he has harvested over 100 deer in both Pennsylvania and Maryland.
“I primarily hunt in PA,” said Maycee. “But, I have also been blessed to harvest some deer in Maryland.” Following in her father’s success, Maycee said she truly enjoys the sport.
“I enjoy hunting because I get to spend time with my dad and brother,” she said. “We always see cool or unique things in nature.”
Maycee said more youth should become involved in the sport, which not only keeps you active, but helps you to harvest the area’s overpopulated deer counts.
“It is a great time to be outside, enjoying nature with family and friends, whether you harvest a deer or not,” she said. She said that her father taught her well, even at a young age, that it wasn’t so much about what the hunter brings home, as it is the journey along the way.
“My dad often says, ‘the success of the hunt is not measured by the size of the antlers or the weight of the doe, but about the experience had and the memories made during the hunt.’” Of course, that’s probably easier to say when one brings in a “trophy” like Maycee’s this year.
While her family does enjoy the “fruits” of her hunting labors, she said that hunting such quality meats also offers a chance to help others.
“It's also an opportunity to give back to people in need when we harvest a deer,” said Maycee. “While we do eat the venison, we also donate it to friends, family, and especially families in need.”
For youth interested in hunting, the Pennsylvania Game Commission does offer a Hunter-Trapper Education course. The next nearby offering will be held on Thursday, Feb. 27 and Friday, Feb. 28 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the South Birdsboro Archery Rod and Gun Club, 470 Geigertown Road, in Douglassville. All registrants must be age 11 by Feb. 28. Those interested can register online here. 
Maycee Ridge, 15, of North Wales snagged this beautiful buck in Lower Gwynedd Township. (Image by David Ridge)
