November 26, 2009
Tree Stand Blogging, Part II
Okay, not actually in the tree stand right now but I took my 8 year old son out to hunt today. I must be doing something wrong.
The last time I saw precisely zero deer. About dusk I heard a loud shot from across a dense stand of hardwood -- maybe 800 - 1000 yards off.
So, today I take my son to a different stand. After sitting up there for about two hours -- most of which were spent by my son playing games on the iPhone -- still not a deer seen. These must be magical deer down here, only appearing when the front end of my car is within 10 feet and too late to swerve.
On the way back from the stand I take a detour to scope out a meadow and this car comes driving right towards us. No, not a four wheel drive, just a subcompact. Right across this field with grass up to my knees.
I wave the guy down, thinking he's a poacher. He pulls up and we start chatting. He's not a poacher but has permission to be there.
It was his rifle I had heard the last time I went hunting. He says he shot the biggest doe in his life. Great.
So I tell him about this tree stand I've been in and he asks me to show him where it is since he's got a buddy with him and the stand I was in was pretty big. The last words, literally, out of my mouth as I leave is that, "I hope any deer I scare on my way out come your way."
Just before I get back to my car I hear two more shots.
The rat bastard has killed himself another deer! I sat two hours or more in that stupid stand and he's up there 5 minutes -- literally -- and shoots one. He's actually reached his bag limit now.
So, what the hell am I doing wrong here? Or does God just hate me?
A happy Thanksgiving indeed......
