Ralph gets first deer

CONGRATULATIONS: Joseph Ralph (above) shot his first deer ever the second day of shotgun season this past fall. The eight-point deer weighed in at 150 lbs. and was shot in Jackson County. Joseph, the son of Mark and Leah Ralph of Murphysboro, needed just one shot at 25 yards. The deer was 1 1/2 - 2 years old with a 16" inside spread. He rattled and grunted to bring in the deer and within 10 minutes it showed up right in front of him. The American believes every boy or girl should have their picture in the newspaper with their first deer or fish. Fathers and mothers are invited to bring in pictures of their children with their "first kill" or "first catch." Congratulations Joseph on a job well done.