I missed a few days, but there wasn’t much to report on. The heat has been repulsive, with the temperatures hovering in the mid to low 80s. The deer have not moved at all, but Jim has been having some good luck. Last night he drew on a really nice 10-pointer but was never able to pull the trigger. The deer sensed something being wrong and stopped before Jim had a good shot at him. It’s amazing how the big ones have that sixth sense that saves their lives.
Today he hit a giant 10-pointer, but we never caught up to it. He hit it a little too far toward the back end. The tracking job came up uneventful. He’s pretty disappointed, but he’s also optimistic that he will get another chance. I hope he does. He’s a good kid, and he’s motivated. It warms my heart to watch a young guy who enjoys hunting so much.
Although I was slightly older than him when I began my adventures in the Midwest, I’m glad he had a chance to go this year and experience something different in the whitetail world. I think he’s enjoying himself and is thankful for the opportunity to try different things. He’s a gamer. I’ve learned my lessons over the years from giving people opportunities to experience different things. It has come back to haunt me in many instances. I know that will never be the case with Jim. He was brought up like me. His dad showed him the way, and he was brought up in the Adirondacks. I think it’s a lot different when you’re brought up in areas where there are many deer. You learn to value things in a different light than most, and you learn to respect the game you pursue and the other people doing the pursuing.