Nathan and I got up to the cabin Friday night for a boys weekend of hunting and shooting, and maybe a little boat shopping.... I'm a little stressed because I have about 8 hours of "Boston" work to squeeze into about 2 hours time this weekend (Gotta watch the Vikes too!)
We woke up this morning at 5:30, had a little breakfast and plunged into the dark woods about 6:15. Sun up at 7:10, so it was PLENTY dark. Everything was wet from a light rain last night. Temp was about 55.
Nathan went into his tree stand, and I went back into Jeff Smith's land, where Grandpa had seen some deer last weekend. I couldn't find his white bucket so I had to bring my own, and find a new spot - very difficult in the pitch black - I had no idea where I was. Could have sworn I heard footsteps run away as I walked through the woods - monster buck??
At about 7:00 I saw a deer - it snuck by me about 50 yards away - no chance at a shot, too far, and it was moving too quick through the woods. I can't believe how quite it was - I never heard a thing. I texted Nathan to give him the news. I waited about 1o minutes and decided I better get in a better position if there where to be any more. I kept hearing sounds behind me, out of my line of sight.
About 7:30, in my new position, I get a text from Nathan "Ready to go in?" Just as I was typing "OK", I heard noises and stopped. Could it be?? OMG, yes! Two doe about 20 yards away!! How did they get that close to me without me hearing or seeing them. They are RIGHT there!! I quickly re-typed a response to Nathan - "I see some!". I quietly put my phone in my pocket and started to get my bow in position. One of the deer was on to me - she was looking me straight in the eyes. When her eyes would move away, I'd move an inch more to lift my bow up. I was shaking from adrenaline. For about 3 minutes, we played this game - she was definitely on to me. At some point I moved my eye's down, and a chipmunk ran right over my feet!
Finally, the Doe started walking towards me, and I made my big move to lift the bow up - I couldn't stand it anymore! Big mistake, she bolted. I stood up and watched her run away across the swamp.
But wait! The other doe did not know what was going on, she was still in the woods! I was now standing, as SHE now looked at me square in the eyes. I drew my bow back, and waited - too many branches in the way. Wait, wait, wait, wait..... I couldn't wait any more so I let it fly - the shot was about 30 yards, and it sailed true.... until.... it hit a branch and deflected harmlessly away. DANG!! I remember hearing the clang of the arrow as it hit the ground.
I feel my phone vibrate, and it's a text from Nathan, and he says "you got it!". I wrote back "I did??" He had heard the shot, and saw the movement - wishful thinking, but it was clearly a foiled attempt!
Nathan and I met up about 15 minutes later, and he said while this was all going on a squirrel was actually IN his deer stand with him running between his legs!
So, that's our adventurous morning - no meat today, but we have plenty of fruit in the fridge - thanks Hun!
