Diana Peterson, 88, of Marquette is pictured with the 5-point buck she bagged on opening day of firearm deer season. She was hunting with her son in the Republic area. (Photo courtesy of the Peterson family)

REPUBLIC — A long-time hunting enthusiast didn’t let less-than-perfect hunting conditions get in her way on opening day of firearm deer season, knocking down a 5-point buck while in the company of her son.

Diana Peterson, 88, of Marquette, said she has been hunting since the age of 15. A sharp eye and steady hand served her well from a blind on public property in the Republic area, spotting several doe down range some 50 yards before the buck appeared.

“We saw four does first” recalled Peterson, noting she had been sitting for about 3 hours in the blind when things started happening. “Then this buck came in.

“I took the shot and hit him in the left shoulder … and he went down,” she related. “But then he got up and ran off.”

Her son, Ken, tracked a blood trail for about 70 yards before finding the animal. He was dressed out on the spot and hauled back to the truck.

It was the first buck Peterson has taken since 2021, when she got an 8-pointer. She has not missed a hunting season — ever.

“It was quite an experience,” she said of her latest success.

As far as older persons hunting, Peterson encourages it, using her own experiences as a prime example of what is possible.

“Never give up,” she said. “Just do it.”

Bud Sargent can be reached at 906-228-2500, extension 544. His email address is bsargent@miningjournal.net.