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Another hunting day!
November 18th, 2006 05:01 pmHard to believe, but true ~ another hunting day for Brian & I. Today is first day of open firearms in Virginia. Depending on local laws, this means using a shotgun and/or rifle is now permissible. For this morning's hunt we decided to go behind our property where we have permission to hunt on out neighbor's land.
Just before sun up, Brian showed me the spot he picked for me to set up in. A small creek runs between two short ridges & he advised that I sit so that I can shoot on either side of the creek. He would be moving to a clearing a bit aways from me & set up in his tree stand.
As I move into the woods, I hear some rustling & wonder if I am pushing some deer. Since the rustling noises do not travel very far, I am doubtful & go about picking a good spot. First, I set up my chair & blind, then put more clothes on & finally settle into my chair. Not long after I sit down, I hear more rustling & see a white tail go up ridge on the other side of the creek. I *had* pushed the deer, only they really didn't push very far. Even if the deer had been range, it was not yet legal shooting time, but it was still great to know I was sitting where the deer were!
After an hour or so, I saw some movement on the other side of the creek. Sure enough, it's a lone deer that is feeding. As quietly as I can, I slide the safety on my Mossberg forward so that I will be ready in case I get a shot. Much to my joy, I get a glimpse of antlers & know that I can take a shot if one presents itself. (Bucks only in our county for most of the season.) My eyes are riveted on the buck as he feeds hoping that he will come my way & give me a clear shot.
The buck is at least a 6-pointer & feeds for about 10 minutes, never paying any attention to me, which is a great feeling as a hunter. I hear some rustling from behind me & another deer runs past the buck & he takes off after it & they disappear into the thick pines. So much for my getting shot.
Around 8 am, dogs begin to howl in the distance. A lot of folks around these parts use dogs to hunt deer; thankfully they start a little later than the 'stand' hunters do, giving us a little bit of a fighting chance. It is Brian's hope that the dogs will run some deer through the property that we are hunting.
By 9 am, I am a bit cold & ready to head for the house. Walking towards Brian's treestand, I hope that I kick a deer up in his direction. Unfortunately, he has not seen any deer today. Once I reach him, I am a little surprised at how high he has jacked up in the tree. For the first time, I get to watch him get down; it is a slow process, but he is careful & makes it look easy.
While we are coming home empty handed, our hunt was still really encouraging to know that the deer are bedding down within walking distance from the house.
Just before sun up, Brian showed me the spot he picked for me to set up in. A small creek runs between two short ridges & he advised that I sit so that I can shoot on either side of the creek. He would be moving to a clearing a bit aways from me & set up in his tree stand.
As I move into the woods, I hear some rustling & wonder if I am pushing some deer. Since the rustling noises do not travel very far, I am doubtful & go about picking a good spot. First, I set up my chair & blind, then put more clothes on & finally settle into my chair. Not long after I sit down, I hear more rustling & see a white tail go up ridge on the other side of the creek. I *had* pushed the deer, only they really didn't push very far. Even if the deer had been range, it was not yet legal shooting time, but it was still great to know I was sitting where the deer were!
After an hour or so, I saw some movement on the other side of the creek. Sure enough, it's a lone deer that is feeding. As quietly as I can, I slide the safety on my Mossberg forward so that I will be ready in case I get a shot. Much to my joy, I get a glimpse of antlers & know that I can take a shot if one presents itself. (Bucks only in our county for most of the season.) My eyes are riveted on the buck as he feeds hoping that he will come my way & give me a clear shot.
The buck is at least a 6-pointer & feeds for about 10 minutes, never paying any attention to me, which is a great feeling as a hunter. I hear some rustling from behind me & another deer runs past the buck & he takes off after it & they disappear into the thick pines. So much for my getting shot.
Around 8 am, dogs begin to howl in the distance. A lot of folks around these parts use dogs to hunt deer; thankfully they start a little later than the 'stand' hunters do, giving us a little bit of a fighting chance. It is Brian's hope that the dogs will run some deer through the property that we are hunting.
By 9 am, I am a bit cold & ready to head for the house. Walking towards Brian's treestand, I hope that I kick a deer up in his direction. Unfortunately, he has not seen any deer today. Once I reach him, I am a little surprised at how high he has jacked up in the tree. For the first time, I get to watch him get down; it is a slow process, but he is careful & makes it look easy.
While we are coming home empty handed, our hunt was still really encouraging to know that the deer are bedding down within walking distance from the house.
