I snuck into the hardwood timber, the wind was right, the brush was thick .... So were the bugs .... And the peace of the quiet timber was soaking in. It feels so good to be back doing the thing that stirs my soul the most. Also, thank goodness for Thermacell!
After a few hours of enjoying the change in the understory light as the sun slowly sunk in the west, with woods quitting down for the evening, a squirrel started furiously barking about 40 yards to my right. I slowly stood from my pack chair to look over the brush. Nothing was there. As I sat back down I noticed to my left a fawn looking at me 14 yards away. Just then Momma walked down the trail I was set up on ... Oblivious to me. Her fawn started to act a little spooky, which in turn made her very nervous as she was completely broadside to me. She looked around, checked the wind, head bobbed, stomped ... All the while her 2 fawns looked around, softly bleated, browsed, played ... But did not stray too far from momma.
After about 10 minutes, she took her fawns away. 15 minutes later, she came back, circled me and did eventually catch my wind as evidenced by three deer blowing at me. Shortly after that, a squirrel calmly walked to my boots, looked me over and went on its way.
It is good to be back in the timber with my bow - so close to the game I seek. I had no intention of shooting her or her fawns, but it still felt like a win, and I am so glad to be back hunting again.
Best of luck to all this year,
Bob.
Sounds like a fantastic day - for all involved!
:thumbsup: Good times.
Nice... I might get out tonight or tomorrrow.
ChuckC
That was a big win!
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
It is not always about the kill!
Bisch
I always enjoy fawns and watching them begin their "education".
Good stuff!
Eric
what a cool experience that must have been.
Your story brought a smile to my face!
QuoteIt feels so good to be back doing the thing that stirs my soul [/QB]
The "things that stir my soul" are many years of snapshots like this...the all inclusive, and ever -changing relationship with the natural world as I sit with arrow nocked, feeling the shiver of the cool morning as the sun rises....or sets to force the end of a day....momentarily kept alive with the hope of that one encounter mixed with dreams of a perfectly placed arrow...until the next time.
Gotta have it!
Success isn't always considered in kills. When you defeat their eyes, ears, and nose you've been successful.
Yup, makes me want to get out there all the sooner.
Sounds like an awesome day for sure. I can't wait til our season starts here
Very nice! Thanks for sharing.
Way to go Bob! More evidence that it is not about the killing but how awesome it is to see the world through the trad hunters eyes!
Kenny :thumbsup:
:coffee:
Sometimes it's just about sipping up and enjoying the things around you.
That's what it is all about.........
Sounds like you had a grand ole time :clapper: :clapper: :clapper: It is a shame their are people who hunt that will never understand or cherish moments like that.
Awesome experience AND awesome attitude! Many successful hunts never involve the release of an arrow. Hope you continue to have a great season:)
:archer:
I would have done exactly as you did. :thumbsup:
Such a cool experience
Nice job fueling the fire within us to get out there, awesome.
Got me Drooling to get out.
Yessir, a successful hunt indeed!
Agree ... a total success
Bob, you just captured the essence of why I bow hunt. Its not always about shooting something, many times it's about NOT shooting something. Thanks for sharing!