8-Year-Old Makes Michigan Elk-Hunting History

When Braeleigh Miller, 8, took her first elk in Michigan last December, she had no idea the hunt would make the record books. With a 202-yard shot on a 400-pound cow elk, Braeleigh officially became the youngest hunter in Michigan history to kill an elk.

Braeleigh was hunting with her dad, Gunnar, and her grandpa through the state's mentor program and, with help from a guide, found elk in a field on opening morning.

“This entire experience has been nothing short of phenomenal," said Gunnar Miller. "[Braeleigh] had the trip of a lifetime for sure.”

“It’s cool for me because I’ve never set a record before, my dad hasn’t set a record before, and my grandpa hasn’t set a record before,” exclaimed the young hunter.

The previous record for the youngest successful elk hunter in Michigan was held by an 11-year-old.