re: My son just got his first deer...

I was in the exact opposite position. As the step dad I wanted to get him his first deer the right way. His dad who only has to be his dad 4 days a month (every other weekend) let him shoot a doe running dogs. Sucked because I had spent a lot of time and money so id have a place for us to hunt and I wasnt there to experience the joy with him.

Its ok to be happy and sad imo. One of the tough things about having failed relationships with kids involved. Id be willing to be he probably wishes it was with you also.