my time has been very limited this season, mostly devoted to class, and to my family.  However, yesterday, my beautiful and very understanding wife insisted on me getting out into the woods.

well, I gotta go lead youth group, then I'll be back to finish up some more of the story!

ok... back from youth group... =) I work full time at a church in Erie with youth and young adults.  

Ironically, the lesson tonight was about how God takes small things and uses them in big ways.  

When my wife suggested that I take the evening to get away, I was really excited for a chance to just be out in the woods.  All of my time has been devoted to the church, schooling and my family.  I can't remember the last time I had a chance to just be out in the woods.  We live in the city, so my access is limited.  Those of you who can hunt in your back yards, you are truly blessed.  Enjoy it, and never take it for granted.

I quickly gathered up all my gear.  Threw the treestand into the truck with a change of clothes.  

I practice all year long in our basement.  I have about 10 yards down there to keep the muscles loosened up... but I have to tell you.  This year, I didn't have the time to shoot like I normally do.  I can't explain it, but I think that I often "overthink" my shots at animals.  I missed a beautiful buck last year...  with shooting less this year, I noticed things were just happening in shooting form and being on target.  Hard to explain, but some of you that have experience that  before would understand.  I would always encourage practice and shooting, so don't get me wrong there.

as I drove out to my spot, I thought man it will be nice to just be out and relax.

I pulled into a parking area, changed into my camo and headed into the woods.  It's a great spot, really.  It happens to be Gamelands, you know, the ones where everyone parks and hunts 100 yards from the road.

I strapped on my stand and a pack with food, water, and all the essentials.  My trusty Kwyk Styk was ready for a walk.  I thought to myself as I walked in, how little time I had this year to hunt.  I slowly walked through the woods checking on a few areas that typically held some oak trees.  It was a difficult walk way back in, as it was sunny and almost 70 degrees.  Along the way I stopped at several locations to take a drink and remember past hunts.

I came to one ridge, and I heard that familiar sound.  It's almost like rain... but better.  It's ACORNS! Realizing that I had found a good food source I didn't hesitate in setting up the climber and preparing for my ascent.  

Up I went.  I guess I forgot how much work this can be.  Drops of sweat began dripping off my nose.  Not sure why, but I climbed a little higher this day.  The area where I found the oaks was really wide open.  Maybe the height would keep me above their noses.

Once I was satisfied with me view, I hung up my backpack and bow on a tree hook and pulled out my binoculars.  Oh, how I have missed this...

and then I hear the tell tale sign of crunch crunch crunch in the leaves behind me.

I glance over my shoulder and see a deer coming down the hill.

everything happens quickly at this point...

I quickly slip my facemask on, my shooting glove, and slide my bow off of the hook.  Most of this is done glancing at the deer (now multiple deer) that are coming down the trail towards the Oaks.

It's 3:30 in the afternoon. I slowly and deliberately pull an arrow out of the quiver and get it on the string.  I shoot four fletch and did this while watching the deer over my should... I think this was a huge advantage.  

They are still coming, but are calm.  They quickly get on the acorns. I commit to the biggest one and begin to turn around to prepare for the shot.

a smaller deer feeds towards me at about 15 yards.

That will do.

I commit to her, draw and watch the arrow hit below the spine.  The angle is really steep.  Later, when processing her, the first shot hit lungs and broke the opposite shoulder.

She fell to the ground and before she could stand up, I had another arrow on the way.

The other two deer were still standing at 20 and 25 yards while this happened.

A view from my stand

That's how you do it and be home for the evening news. ... props !!

Froggy

I snorted at them to finally get them to leave...

I called my wife to tell her what had just happened.

I remember just saying to her "God provided again"

It was 3:40 when I called her.

here is a view from the ground.

I have never had a hunt like this before.  I have hunted years with out shots and have gone weeks without seeing deer.

My time was short this year.... but it was enough.

It turned into a huge blessing.

you can see my treestand still at the base of the tree in the last picture.

one more close up...

I got her home, was able to spend some much needed time with the kids and wife....gave them each a hug and kiss.

and that's my Pennsylvania blessing....

my favorite part was coming home and having my 18 month old Ellie waddle right over and smooch that doe on the nose.

Austin told me that I had better not shoot another without him... I am excited for the days ahead when we get out there together.

Congrats!    

Congrats Super K!!!
Is that the Kwyk Styk I traded to you?  If so, congratulations, and I'm glad it brought you some good mojo.  Hopefully it brings you more luck the rest of this season!