Sunday, November 28, 2010

I'm No Longer A Hunter

What a wonderful day November 27 turned out to be! Cold (25 degrees) when we started out, but warmed up to 52 if I remember correctly. We took a break at 9:30 by going to my friends house (who owns the farmland where we hunt) to make a pot of coffee in his electric percolator, while sitting by the gas heater. That was quite comfortable! Then our host decided he needed to go somewhere on business and left three of us to hunt. When we had been on our stands about 40 minutes I shot the little two point buck seen below! NOW I AM A KILLER! [Not to be confused with Jerry Lee Lewis, the original "killer". He called himself "the killer" because he thought he was the ladies man!!! He did have a few falling all over him in his younger days.]





I bought a new mule for the hunt. Kawasaki Mule, 610XC!


Now, I'm ready to go get 'em!


Three of the friends who joined me!


The trail leading into the hunting area.

It has been at least 25 years since I last killed a deer. It's a bit dis-heartening to a person who is so serious about hunting to go year after year after year and keep coming home with nothing to show for their efforts except a few scratches from the briars and a thousand beggar lice hanging on their clothes. Why do you think we call this thing "hunting"? 'Cause that's what we do! We hunt. And hunt. And hunt again! I've often said to my friends, "I'm not a killer. I'm just a hunter." But from yesterday at 12:35p, right after lunch, I became a killer. The .270 Ruger is a deadly weapon. A nice clean shot high on the shoulder and this buck was on the ground. he kicked for about five minutes while my heart ran at break-neck speed. By the time my blood slowed back to normal the deer was not moving and was waiting for me to prepare him for the journey to our Christmas table - via the butcher shop!!! Boys and Girls, I WAS EXCITED! No, I'm Not a Hunter ... I am a KILLER!






Trees had to be cut to allow our machines to reach deeper into the forest.

We located tracks and other good signs of the presence of deer.


My good friend Ed Williams looking for more deer sign.


My Stand, overlooking a beautifully wooded area where there were abundant signs of deer activity.


My harvested deer! Although we had field dressed him on the spot, he felt like he weighed 250 pounds while we were dragging him out to the road. However when we put him on the scales at the butcher shop, only 71 pounds! What happened? ☻


Good friends William and Scott showing off "our" deer!


Ready to make the trip to the check-in station.

4 comments:

~mel said...

Congratulations CONGRATULATIONS!!! I'm so happy for you on your harvest of fresh venison ~ and on that new mule of yours. I wasn't so fortunate this year on getting a deer; but now muzzle loader season opens ~ and I MIGHT give it a try. I just wish it wasn't so cold out ... I'd probably have a better disposition about this hunting. I LOVED all the pictures you posted; but most of all loved the fact that you had such a great time ~ and got your buck!!

Dar said...

I commented on Fred Alton's Page but have to say more. I was hoping to see a picture of you with your deer, and sure enough, here you are, so proud of you. Isn't it great to just get out there and breathe God's fresh air and contemplate. It took my Bill 25 years inbetween bucks. You did great! Enjoy the benefits.
Loveya and BlessYourHeart
Dar

Fred Alton said...

Mel, I pray you will get yours with the muzzle-loader. If you can only see one and get the chance you probably will. I found out today that this year our 9 day hunt was expanded and I can legally hunt until December 5th. Then opens again on Dec 18 and goes through the first week of January. We're allowed three antlered deer.

@ Dar: Tell Bill there is hope! Just continue hunting. Maybe he needs a new mule? I do plan to hunt again Thursday and Friday but have to go to a sing-a-long with my siblings tomorrow and then with Mom on Wednesday. Good luck to you ALL.

jack69 said...

Good on you! Liked the entry and especially the pictures. Now quit showing off the mule!!!!

Glad you are enjoying your retirement. Looking forward to getting together again.

Love you!
Jack & Sherry (across the mountains)