I had today off from work. I couldn’t have asked for a better morning to sit in a stand in the Adirondacks. It was one of those days that I dream about all year. It was 15 degrees when I headed into the woods at 4:50. After a steady hour and twenty minute walk I arrived to the stand I had set up back in the summer. Something made me feel good about the day.
Shortly after the sun rose above the ridge behind me the animals came to life. I could hear a raven cawing in the distance as well as a few geese flying over. As I enjoyed everything around me I made sure to take it all in because moments like that are fleeting. Twenty minutes into my sit I could hear the leaves crunching beneath the legs of a running deer. At first I couldn’t make out where the noise was originating. Suddenly I realized it was coming off the ridge in front of me and the deer were quickly gaining ground. I grabbed my gun off the tree hook and prepared myself for any opportunity that might present itself.
A few seconds later and I could see the tips of antlers coming out of a small depression. I couldn’t see the animal at all, but the antlers were as clear as day.
I pressed my thumb against the safety and got ready to slide it forward. Then the buck turned and disappeared. The rise in the hill was just high enough so that I could see his antlers but no part of his body. I’m pretty sure it was the big 10-point I got a picture and video of, but I’ll never know.
The rest of the day passed too quickly and before I knew it my four day vacation was over and I was headed home. Dad didn’t see any deer today. We had a great weekend. I couldn’t ask for better weather or a more relaxing atmosphere. Although it was only four days it seemed like much longer. That doesn’t happen too often.
I feel like I’m close to scoring. In my younger days when I felt that way it seemed like an opportunity almost always presented itself. I guess I’ll sit back and see what unfolds in front of me.