While the heated bow/crossbow debate is likely to rage on for some time with feelings high on both sides of the issue, few people would argue against one 89-year-old hunter’s recent accomplishment. Delores Wilhelms of Dotyville, Wis., shot a buck using her deceased husband’s crossbow Oct. 15.

"It's a thrill I tell you. I hope God lets me live long enough to do it again next year," Delores told the Fon Du Lac Reporter.

She shot the 150-pound, three-point buck about 5:45 p.m. on a neighbor’s 30-acre property.

Ron Haessly, the neighbor, told the newspaper that Wilhelms is so small and frail looking that the employees at the store where she went to buy her license laughed at her, doubting her ability.

It had been six years since Delores had enjoyed hunting with her husband Bill. Bill Wilhelms passed away in 2006.

The couple used to spend a lot of their time at a cottage in the northern part of the state, something Delores longed to do again—particularly to hunt. But she was apprehensive about making the trip on her own and couldn’t find anybody who had the time to take her.

When Ron heard her story, he suggested that she just hunt his place since it was right there.

Ron would escort Delores to a blind through the swam for several days in a row, and while she had a chance at some does, Delores wanted to hold out for a shot at a buck. Even after an incident with the crossbow—she cut her thumb to the bone—required a visit to the hospital, the elderly woman remained undaunted in her quest.

But the first time she got a shot at a buck, she was so excited, she missed.

Another buck approached her blind the next day, but this time Delores’ shot was on the money.

"Bingo!" she exclaimed with the shot. Ron and the woman tracked the animal about 75 yards down the trail.

Those deer better watch out next year, Delores plans to be back out there when the season returns.