8 replies to this topic

[huntingal]

We awake early, before dawn, Hubby and I. We decide to get ready without the generator, “going dark”. With battery lights, we get ready. We check our equipment, backpacks; mentally go though our check list of what we will need in the stand.
With only the red light from our flashlights, we get to the point of parting to our trails, we give each other our good luck sign; we make the journey to our different stands.
Following our respective trails, with an occasional glow tab to mark the way, as carefully and as quietly as possible, I make my way through the darkness. I walk slow, watch my breathing, think good positive thoughts we will both have successful hunts.
As I near my stand I pause, listening to the dark and staying perfectly still. When it’s still all quiet, I find my stand, carefully secure my crossbow to the hoist rope and make my way up the ladder. When all is in place, I close my eyes, take in a deep breath, slowly let it out, and quiet my heart and mind. Slowly open my eyes. There is blackness all around. I let the dark quiet surround me as I settle in for the “wait”. The woods are still asleep.
Ever so subtle, the sun begins its promise; the trees begin to show silhouettes of shapes. The former black silhouettes shake loose the darkness as bark and leaves begin to take shape. A bird awakes; then more join in the welcome of dawn. The woods begin to stir. I tune in for the show.
I keep my breathing slow, waiting, eyes ever watchful, ears attune to the sounds of the woods. Then, ever so quiet I hear a slight rustle of leaves. A pesky squirrel maybe?  I listen.  Mind tricks? I listen. Then, there it is again, a soft step, yes, and unmistakable, cautious footsteps. I still can only make out a dark silhouette. I pray the sun will fill its full promise. The sun, as if on cue, peeks out through the trees.
It is unmistakable, a deer has arrived. Sleek, beautiful, graceful, and cautious. My heart leaps into high racing gear. Is it a big doe? Is it the big buck? I will my heart to slow, I breathe deeply, slowly let it quietly out. Be still my beating heart.
I look carefully. Making sure it is one I want to harvest. I take careful aim. Wait for the perfect moment. The arrow flies, its target met. The thrill overtakes me as I watch. Then, I slowly close my eyes, say a prayer of thankfulness and gratitude.
It’s time to claim my gift.
And send an instant message…….

[Super 91]

Wow......great writing.....I could feel the sunlight as it hit the trees.  Thanks, I love reading stories like that.  You made me feel as if I was a part of the hunt, as if I was there, feeling those same feelings with you.    

[Pronghorn]

Very good writing and story.

[briarpatch]

great story...can't wait for the pics that go with it

[WRXB99]

Great story, couldn't have been better timing. I lay in bed reading it after just preparing for my first morning hunt since the opener on 9/10. The difference tomorrow is that I will be climbing a tree for the first time this year. I've been ground hunting so far this season, not been out much at all but new borns will do that to a hunting season. There is something about the world coming to life around you while 20+ feet up in stand that cannot compare when on the ground and your story just made this night much longer in anticiaption of the awakening of the world around me tomorrow.  Thanks for sharing.

[Hurricane]

HG~ that was just a beautiful story. You couldn't have written it better if you tried. Thanks for sharing. I felt like it was on stand next to you.GREAT job. Pictures????

[Brubaker]

Congrats!! Great story thanks for sharing.

[froglaps]

Great read,

But now I feel lazy, and dumb for not going out this morning, and missing it all.  I have to be at work sometime tomorrow morning... way too early to be able to go tomorrow. I wasted a dang good day! Dang it!!

[maad]

Awesome story I sure miss the morning hunts. It sounded like a successful hunt even before seeing the deer, there just Gods way of giving us a bonus.