Friday, Nov. 19, 2021

  Today was the first day this week in which I knew exactly where I was headed when I left the truck. Actually, it might have been the first time this year that I have felt that, which is probably why I’ve been struggling to find success. I had a gut feeling, and I went with it. This feeling has eluded me this year up to this point, so I listened when my inner-self talked to me. 

  With rain pounding off my windshield on the way down the road, I cussed under my breath. I didn’t feel like getting sopped on my walk, but I also accepted it as part of the deal. 

  After two miles, the dark sky became gray, and I was disappointed that I wasn’t settled into the place I had picked the day before.  The forecast called for 25-30 mph winds, and it didn’t disappoint. The wind was brutal, especially combined with blizzard bursts that came and went throughout the day. 

  At 11:00, I stood up to stretch, and a deer bolted down the hill. When it stopped about 50 yards from me, I saw that it was a spike. I watched him for a minute or two before he decided to head over the hill in front of me. 

  The rest of the day dragged. Then, as it moved toward 4, I saw a doe and fawn making their way along the base of the hill I was sitting on. When the doe was directly below me, she spooked and bolted. She didn’t go far and gradually wandered up the hill. 

  After they got out of sight, I spotted a nice buck on the far ridge. Instantly, I identified it as a shooter and tried getting a shot. Unfortunately, I couldn’t manage to find a way to thread the needle and decided it was in my best interest to let him walk. I ranged a hole with my binoculars that was 118 yards away, and  he was about 40 yards beyond the hole. Although I was disappointed, I know I made the right choice. I may not get another chance at a buck I would like to take, but it sure felt good to be near one and almost get a shot. It drives me to keep grinding in hopes of getting a look at him or another on the coming days.

  Although things seem slow, I guess I can’t complain. I’ve passed up two bucks and I’ve seen deer every time out. Hopefully, my luck turns the corner sometime soon. I seem to be on the deer, but I haven’t put myself in a position to succeed yet. It seems like I’m a step off this year. My focus has been lacking, as my thoughts are with my mother and the battle she is facing. It makes my future so bleak. She has been my heart and soul for 53 years. We talk about life every day, and I share my ups and downs with her. She has a calm sense about her that always makes me feel better about where I am and where I’m going. I love my mom and am grateful that a higher power chose her to be my mother.

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