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What Is
"Really" Important!
The morning darkness was giving way to the slightest hint of daylight as we sat in our two man buddy deer stand. It was opening morning of the 2001 Missouri deer season and I had the pleasure of sharing this one with my 9 year old son Josh. The youth hunt, a few weeks prior, had ended with Josh passing on several opportunities to take an antler less deer in hopes to tag a buck for his first deer. I was very happy that he enjoyed deer hunting as much as I did and just being out there hunting with him was satisfying enough, but deep down, I wanted him to take a deer, any deer! As we sat in our stand on the small ridge above a standing corn field we discussed safety and which direction we thought the deer might be coming from. Most importantly who got the first shot at a buck if he came by. We decided that if it was questionable shot for Josh that I would get the first chance but if Josh felt comfortable he would take it. As shooting light approached the first shots of the season rang out through the cool morning air, and the questions began. Dad, do you think they got one? Dad, do you think it was a big buck? Dad, was that grandpa? And every other question a 9 year old could envision. We saw a few deer in the first couple of hours but had no shot opportunities. It was then I found myself pondering on the same questions Josh had asked...... if they got one, was it grandpa?, and every other question a 31 year old father could envision. Deer movement had been very few and far between when all of the sudden I spotted some deer browsing along the corn field. I whispered softly..... Josh..... Josh. As I looked towards him of course he was asleep. By the time I woke him the deer had entered the standing corn. As we continued our viewing another deer was coming down the edge of the field and it was a buck! I said to Josh, do you want to take him? He was now ready for this shot but the buck stopped below us. I was sure he would follow the doe's into the standing corn and offer us no chance. The tree seemed to be literally shaking from our excitement. Josh had the 30-06 rested on the rail and all we needed was for the deer to come up the hill. I took my grunt call and grunted at the buck, he spun around and marched stiff legged straight up the hill toward us, "holy cow" this is going to happen! I kept telling Josh to wait for a good shot and wait until the deer turns broadside. As the buck approached Josh exclaimed, "I can get him! " BOOM! The buck drops and does not kick once! Josh was so excited he actually cried and of course we were both overwhelmed with emotion. Josh got his first deer and an already perfect day became that much better. I know that I will never forget my first deer and I hope Josh will always his. This special morning we spent together. I know I will. When I was a young man my
dad bought me a record from Leroy Braungardt to teach me how to call
turkeys. At the end of that album Leroy said something like," If a
person can not find peace in a spring morning in the woods, I wonder if he
ever will." That statement has always stuck with me and has seemed to
apply to every hunting season and pre-dawn morning I spend at total peace
with myself and nature. Sometimes we take things for granted and everyday
life just seems to kind of get in the way! Let's all remember take a
moment from every hunt or trip into the woods to remember what is really
important. Our memories...... memories of the times we have
spent in the outdoors with a friend or loved one...... and the sheer
beauty of all the God has given to us. |
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