I Didn't Go Hunting Today....

Why?   I don't know.

My freezer is full, but I still have a tag.  But I did ride my trail bike almost 20 miles on the trails of NE Kansas.  I watched deer, turkeys and squirrels go about their business of life.

I shot my long bow for almost an hour, and that put a smile in my soul.   I love the feeling of a well placed arrow.    Today was one of those days when the arrow flies true.    I love shooting when I have a day like today – when the bow feels like part of me, and I KNOW I won't miss.   I dreamed of stalking the woods, being one with nature.   Being part of nature, not just a visitor.

I sharpened a few arrows, and a knife.   I enjoy the stuff of traditional archery.    The arrows, the bows, the gear – all of it, down to the wool shirt I was wearing.  

I went upstairs and poured myself a glass of wine, sat by the fire, waiting for the wife to come home.   I thought of hunts past.   The past year and into years far gone.   I smiled when old friends came to mind.    Good friends I have shared hunts and camps with over the years.    I reflected on shots made, and shots missed.   So I sit here wondering why I did not go hunting today.  
 
And I realize, I guess I did.

I hear ya brother!!

What Charlie said! Its the memories of hunts past that allow me to slip into the woods everyday, even if the woods are miles away!

This guy gets it.

Nice, Mel, nice.

It also makes a difference that your freezer is full! But I didn't go today either, and my freezer is empty!  

Well put Mel.  You nailed it... the memories of hunts gone by, the anticipation of hunts to come, the friendship and comraderie, and the preparation for the hunt.  The reasons we hunt, all in a nutshell.  Thanks for taking us on the awesome trip with you today.

Yes sir, that's what it's all about.

well said

Stayed home today because my daughter was getting ready to head back to grad school, and had not yet left.  First things first...

Very good sir  

Some times its cool just to see them. Good stuff said.  

Well said..!

  Anticipation and preperation are importatnt parts of our sport, sharpening of knives, and broadheads, maybe making a new string for that "special bow" all are part of the hunt.

   All memories made..

Well said....  

Mel,
 You understand it well my friend and sometimes I can go into my shop and just make a string,set it up with puffs,fletch up a few arrows and drink a cup of  

When the "reality" of the actual hunt is done "memories" are what we are left with. But without those memories the actual hunt would have relatively little importance.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and causing us to reflect!    

I didn't go and my freezer is empty, but I loose all interested after the red army, you see I hunt state ground.

I had a very similar day.  The only thing for me, that made it better.  Is that the wife and kids went with me scouting for a different area.  The kids climbed trees, the wife shot her slingshot, we all looked for scrapes, and found plenty.  Teaching the kids about nature is the only way to assure we will have nature in the future.

   

I very much enjoyed your comments..