Biggbear
10-17-2001, 07:00 AM
As I stepped out of the truck into the moonlight it seemed as bright as mid- day. The cool autumn air had a little bite to it that made me pull my collar up a little more. After one last check of the gear I headed across the alfalfa field towards the edge of the woods. While crossing the field the moon on the frost made the ground look like it was covered in diamonds, no flashlight needed today. I could see where the frost had been disturbed by deer feeding in the direction of the woodline, it was going to be perfect! When I got to the woodline the walk to the treestand was an easy one, the hunters moon providing all the illumination necessary. I got the the stand and tied my bow to the rope hanging next to the tree. The climb up the massive maple tree was always an adventure, part way up I heard an eery creaking sound. I started up again and heard the same sound, I finally relaxed when I realized it was the joint on my knee brace not the tree step pulling out. The brace accompanies me on all outdoor trips these days, a constant reminder that I'm not eighteen anymore. After making it to the seat I get my gloves and face mask on and haul my bow up the tree. I get everthing just right and await the sunrise. The sky starts getting a faint glow of orange in the east, and I can just barely make out rustling in the leaves. The sound gets closer but it is not yet light enough to see exactly what is making the sound. The moon has faded and the sun is not up high enough to help, it's that time of morning when every bush and clump of weeds looks like a deer. The rustling fades and I never do see what it was that walked by. After taking in a breathtaking sun rise that almost makes the whole trip worth while I can hear distinct footsteps in the frosty leaves over my left shoulder. The steps seem to be nearly right under my stand, I know better than to turn and look but I can no longer stand the suspense. My heart is pounding so hard I swear what ever it is behind me is going to hear it and be gone soon. My neck and ear lobes actually hurt from the blood pumping through my veins. I slowly turn to the left using my peripheral vision so see what is making all the racket. My eye quickly settles on movement of a grey-brown color. It is then that I realize this is the biggest fox squirrel I have ever seen. My blood pressure returns to normal as I watch him get ready for the winter his cheeks are full of acorns and he buries one here and there. As I turn around to resume the hunt there he is, I don't know where he came from or how he go there. It's like he was a ghost that just appeared. He's not a giant buck, a respectable six pointer, but he'll be my first with bow. Some how I seem to go into auto-pilot. Without thinking I raise my bow and settle my sight pin on his vitals, the draw is smooth and quiet, my finger starts to tighten on the release and I hear... CRAIG ARE YOU LISTENING TO ME OR NOT? My wifes piercing voice brings me out of my utopia and back to reality, how does she do this every time!
Good luck to all of you this season, and try and keep things in perspective, I try and get my limit every time I'm out. I don't always bring home game, but I limit out on memories every trip!
Good luck to all of you this season, and try and keep things in perspective, I try and get my limit every time I'm out. I don't always bring home game, but I limit out on memories every trip!