My wife had made a comment about our venison supply being nearly gone and that I had better replenish it soon if I hoped to enjoy any more of her tasty meals. So it was time to stop day-dreaming of the elusive big antlered bucks and focus on putting a deer in the freezer.
As she headed off to work I put on my hunting clothes, grabbed the bow and headed off into the woods. It was already daylight by the time my moccasin clad feet starting taking my down the hill into the creek bottom. The frosty leaves were crisp underfoot and I could feel the cold air already chilling my fingers. I felt underdressed but knew the forecast prophesied the temperature to reach near 50 by noon so I should eventually be comfortable. Besides I needed to think less about comfort and more about finding a deer.
A gentle south east wind followed the creek as it moved through the valley. I turned into it and began a still hunt along the waters edge. Some crows called to each other as they flew over and a flock of geese heading south could be heard in the distance. Other than that the woods were quite silent. I moved slowly along letting my eyes and ears do their job. And they did.
The sound of some wet footsteps caught my attention. I opened my mouth a little and tilted my right ear towards the sound. Seems it helps me hear clearer and zone-in on the location better. Turning my eyes the direction of the sound revealed a young buck walking along down the shallow creek like it was a trail. He was less than 100 yards away and moving towards me so I had to think fast.
A large white pine was just to my left and it's trunk would make a good background to hide my silhouette. Keeping my eyes on him I moved as he did and got in front of it. He was now out of the creek and walking slowly on the opposite side from me. He paused to groom himself for a minute or so about 40 yards out and I could feel my pulse rise as it looked like things might be working out for a close encounter. A gentle tug confirmed the arrow was seated on the string and my fingers found their positions to each side of it. softly shifting my weight back and forth I settled my feet firmly into the leaves and leaned slightly forward into an archery stance.
The wind was still in my face, the overcast sky kept the sun from blinding me, I was at the ready and this deer was walking right into range. It was too perfect, to easy, if this got messed up it would be my fault. He paused for a moment and looked my way. I felt my heart rate increase even higher and I closed my eyes for a few seconds to keep composure. Hearing his foot steps again I opened my eyes to see him coming right past me within 15 yards. I let him pass keeping my eyes on his heart. As he quartered away from me I made my move in one fluid motion. As my index finger touched my lip the arrow was released and I watched it disappear into his chest. He jumped and turned back and with a few bounds was back up wind about 50 yards from me. He stood there looking my direction for what had just surprised him. It was almost as if I had missed. Then his legs grew weak and he hunched his back a little. A moment latter he dropped to the ground and it was over.
The commotion had awaken a few squirrels and they chattered their concern. I let out a deep breath to shake off the stress and walked over to where my arrow had entered him. The fletched half of the cedar shaft lied there on the ground with a couple inch's of blood on it. As I walked to the deer I found the other half covered with his blood. I reflected for a moment on just how lethal a bow and arrow can be. Mine certainly was this morning.
He was a nice 1 1/2 year old forkhorn and would provide us with a few months worth of venison. I thanked the creator for the harvest and the beauty of time spent in his forests. After shooting the picture above I field dressed him and began the drag out. It wasn't even 10 in the morning and my hunt was over. Hunts aren't always that easy.
