I had been looking forward to getting back home for Thanksgiving.  Since my parents live on the farm that's been in my Mom's family for several generations, I get to visit and hunt on the same trips.  Unfortunately, my folks called Tuesday and announced that my Grandfather had passed away so I headed out a day early to attend the funeral.  

The last time I'd seen him, was the only other chance I'd had to visit (and deer hunt) this season.  When I'd come in from the woods, Grandaddy would welcome me with a "didja git eem?"  "No sir....saw a few...but couldn't get a shot with the bow."  

I got a pronghorn longbow off a tradganger after last season and I've been itchin to make some meat with it.  Turkey season wasn't good this year, had a great NM elk hunt but no shots and then just haven't been able to get in the deer woods hardly at all this year.

Well, knowing I'd get to do some hunting over the holiday, I'll admit.....I went back to the gravesite after everyone had left and talked it over with Grandaddy.  I asked for some help and told him I hoped he'd join me at the farm.

Didn't get much sleep on Wednesday evening.  Woke up to a crisp clear day and had a sense of confidence that I've rarely felt in the woods.  I absolutely knew I was going to get one.  Check that....."we" were going to get one.

At 5 o'clock, a doe popped out about 100 yards up wind of my tree and like she was being led with a leash, fed her way towards me.  On Q, she turned broadside at 20 yards and then an arrow zipped through her lungs.  Startled a bit by the arrow, she made a few hops to about 30 yards, looked back and fell over dead.  

Thanks Grandaddy.  I hope we can do it again some day.

118 lbs.

great hunt, Gramps would be proud of ya!!!! thanks for sharing.

Sorry for the loss of your Granddaddy.

Congrats on the doe and the outstanding memory of bein there with him!

Sorry to read about your grandfather, but it reads like he's going to continue to be with you in mind and spirit.

Congrats on the beautiful doe, and the hunt itself.  

I lost my Grandfather last week too...On Monday night.  I am sorry for your loss as I know it all too well.

Thanks for sharing the story.

Your hunting partner has big medicine. Thanks for sharing the story and keeping you Grandady here in spirit.

Duckbutt sorry for your loss. It sure looks like he was with you on that hunt !

Looks like a great hunt, I'm sure your granddad was there!

Julian,

I know that feeling well.  He will be smiling  

sorry to hear about your loss but like steve O said he will be smiling. and he will be with you on all your hunts. god bless man

Well done.

I can relate. Every time I hunt I think of my dad and the hunts we went on together.
The bow I carry has limbs made of Osage he and I cut down on his farm. Memories are a wonderous thing. Thanks for sharing.
Prarrie Dog

Great story.

JT, awesome deer brother.  Sorry to hear about your grandfather, I lost mine on Monday morning.   :(  

Tim

Great job!! Im still waiting for my Dads deer to....

Tim,
Hate to hear that bud.  I don't know if I can back this season or not.  You know you can go without me.  Both you and Grandaddy know where that stand is....hmmmmm.

Its a mighty good stand once the sun drops below the treetops.  I may take you up on the offer, I'm in desperate need of what only the solitude of hunt can provide.

Glad to see that the pronghorn finally got some mojo to it, now its all down here from here. Wonder if that was the doe I missed last year?  

That's a good story.  I know you felt your grandfather's presence.

Congrats