Counting Coupe

[ishiwannabe]

Took a walk today hoping for a shot at a turkey. Got a few shots at some tree rats. Rolled one pretty good, but he got up, flexed, then ran back up the tree. So much for judos on tree rats. Started using my Bh tipped arrows after that.
I was sneaking through the logging trails and clear cuts hoping for a shot at anything in season. I saw a multiflora rose bush move. Instantly, I slowed, checked the wind(out of habit-didnt see the critter yet).
I got about 15 yards from the rosebush and saw an ear. I circled around the rosebush.Took me about ten minutes. "Slow" I kept telling myself. I was doing my best to be a tree. Motionless yet in motion.
Eventually, I was only separated from the animal by the bush. Nothing to do, cant shoot through the tangled branches. Cant even let them touch you, or they hold on. I move ever so slowly, one meticulous step at a time. I come around and I see a hindquarter. Another step, perfect quartering away shot. I draw, anchor, breathe...then whisper "thump". At that word, the doe turns and sees me six feet away, her eyes bulge and she trips over herself to get as far away as fast as she can. I realize after I ease down that Im shaking ever so slightly. What a rush!
I continued on to a known roost site, figuring to sit until "roost time". I find a perfect deadfall to ambush unsuspecting turkkeys from. I cleared away the dead leaves and debris and did my best to melt into the scenery.
My vigil interupted by my growling stomach. I dig out an apple from my pocket. I must have been very hungry, because that apple was good! While I was chewing, I heard the faintest sound behind me. I froze. No more sound. I slowly lean around the big pine Im using as a back rest. My eyes bulge. An absolutely HUGE coyote, beautiful in his winter coat, is ten yards away and looking away from me. My heart begins to pound as I think I am about to get a shot. It is then I realize I still have the apple in my gloved hand. I try to devise a way to drop the apple, draw and shoot-after spinning around the pine. Not gonna happen. I look around the other way, looking for an opening, while silently laying the apple on the ground. To my astonishment, another yote is standing there five yards behind the first-watching me. We make eye contact, then its an instant explosion of padded feet on leave, sticks breaking, and squirrels chattering at the sudden movement. I didnt even draw my bow.
I realize, after they were out of sight, that I am shaking again. I look down, my apple rolled into the dirt. My stomach growls. Its almost dusk. I guess I will go home. The turkeys never showed up anyway.
I get home, greeted by my wife and my jealous Britany Spaniel(she's mad I was in the woods without her). My son giggles when I squat down to hug him. Then he takes his first steps to me. My wife and I, mouthes agape, begin to laugh. Our son is walking on his own for the first time. Over and over again between us.
It was a GREAT day.

[vermonster13]

That is an awesome day!

Sounds like the yotes were figuring on turkey for dinner too.

[Shawn Leonard]

Sounds great bud!! Nice when we have a bunch of firsts!! Best of luck Saturday, Damon and I may swing by to see how you did! Shawn

[Killdeer]

Jamie, that is one of the best stories I have ever read. I loved your hunt, it was more eventful than most of mine, and contained many of the same elements. Yes, an apple never tastes better than when you are hungry and in the woods!

Your homecoming was the true trophy of the day. Congratulations, and may you and your family walk together forever.

Killdeer~gonna smile all day because of your story!      

[mcgroundstalker]

All I can say is.... How Cool Is That?!

... mike ...

[Chris Surtees]

Great story Jamie,,,best part is you were there for your son starting to walk on his own. What a special moment!!!

[horatio1226]

Oh boy! Lock up the cabinets! Childproof the house! Quick! Show him how to take the garbage out Jamie!

Glad you took the chance to get into the woods.

[Larry247]

Good story!

[Ron LaClair]

Truly a very special day, one to be remembered. You're a lucky man.    

[carparcher]

Sounds like a great day in the woods.  I am w/ vermonster in thinking that the yotes were there for the same reason you were!

[shaft slinger]

Just great Jamie,won't be long till that boy is in the wood with you, i really enjoyed the story.
     

[Gatekeeper]

Great story thanks for sharing.

[BMN]

Days like that are special indeed. Thanks for sharing.

[ishiwannabe]

Thanks everyone. Im still smiling this morning.
Shawn, good luck to you and Damon....I expect a call. I will be at work.    
Killy, thanks. That means a lot coming from you.
I figured the coyotes and I were there for the same reason. Guess we were both surprised.
The deer sign was amazing! I need more stands for all the hot spots I found.
My first day out will be Monday, I have to work from now until then.
Again, thanks everyone, now I gotta go child-proof the house...even more.

[rastaman]

What a fantastic day!  You have a way with words that brings "us" into the adventure with you...

[Bill Turner]

I would classify that as a great day as well. God bless you and yours. Thanks for sharing.  

[Stone Knife]

Jamie that is a great story, your son is just beginning to take his first steps but it won't be long before he is taking over all your gear    don't ask how i know that.

[George D. Stout]

The planets were aligned for you my friend.  Very nice story indeed.

[cmh]

Sounds like a good day to me