This is Sydney Collins, the winner of the Big Buck Award with her story! &bsp;

Hey, my name is Sydney Collins and I am 17 years old. This has been the second year Ive really hunted hard with my best friend Jonathan Holbert. On the morning of December 5th, I woke up early and got ready for the day. We traveled to hunting country in the rain. Getting there in plenty of time so that we were ready for the morning.

Plan on staying out all day, the two of us used a one person ladder stand; we made it work. Before I knew it, I looked over and saw a few does, but of course they were moving too fast and not paying attention; I scared them away and was quite disappointed.

As the sun came up, the does came back and circled us for about an hour and kept waiting for us to move. They finally gave up and decided we were nothing but a strange image.

About 30 minutes later, Jon had the idea to see if he could rattle one in and also use a few grunt calls. I was clueless as to what the purpose was, so I asked and no more did I get that out of my mouth and he said oh Syd, I see horns. My gun was pointed in the wrong direction and he told me not to move. I couldnt see what it was I was supposed to begin shooting at. He told me to get ready and when to move. When he said go I went, not having enough time to see what size buck it was, but I got a good shot on him and took it.

With a quick jump and he took off. Jon said you got it. We waited a couple minutes and then got down. He was more excited about it then I was in the beginning. But once we climbed down, I got nervous and excited all at once.

I was ready to go see what I had gotten. It was a nice size 8 pointer and my first buck. I had an awesome time and cant wait till next season.

I have learned a lot from this experience and definitely enjoy being in the outdoors.

I hope you like my story!

Syd Collins

So Sydney, please come in and pick up your Tryon Daily Bulletin coffee mug!

Bicycling

Each week, I will bring you a great mountain bike trail for you to ride on, most of these trails I have personal ridden on.

This weeks trail is the Casual Dupont. You will see major features of Dupont on this trail and its a easy ride. You will see several large waterfalls, covered bridges and other great sights.

If the right of way with AGFA gets settled, you will be able to ride over to Lake Julia and Bridal Veil Falls. This ride is entirely on forest roads. Length: 8 total miles; Elevation Gain: Minimal; Trail Type: Out-and-back; Skill Level: Easy.

The directions for the Dupont State Forest are Hooker Falls Parking Area (closest access to Little River Waterfalls): From Asheville, take I-240 west to I-26 east to the exit for Asheville Airport (exit 9). Head south (right) on NC 280 (4-lane highway) toward Brevard for 16 miles. Turn left on US 64 East and drive 3.7 miles. Turn right on Crab Creek Road. Drive 4.3 miles and turn right on Dupont Road. The road will climb and then begin a long downhill, at the bottom of which is the bridge over the Little River. The parking area is on the right just before the bridge. The trail to Triple and High Falls starts on the other side of the bridge.

For a nice video of the water falls go to: http://www.hikewnc.info/trailheads/dupont/guidedhikes/dsfwaterfallsvideo.html.~ Great Outdoors written by Gary Clark