A GOOD DAY

Bouncing out of bed before 5:00 a.m. on Friday was easy as I was anxious to once again hit the deer woods. Our ride into the woods took a little longer than usual BECAUSE I spotted Frost Flowers "blooming" along the way. Rick humored me by stopping and holding the flashlight while I took pictures. They are like snowflakes, no two will ever be the same. With all that dilly-dallying around, it was almost daylight before we got on down the path and I slipped into my blind. Rick gave me some last minute coaching, told me to shoot straight and I settled down into Daddy's little folding chair with his 2.22 across my knees. About 8:00 a.m. three does came slipping into my line of vision. I didn't really want to use my tag on a doe, so quietly picked up my camera, thinking of taking a shot with it rather than my rifle. Common sense prevailed. I put the camera down, picked up the rifle, sighted in on the biggest one and pulled the trigger. I missed and they all ran away. Not ready to quit so early in the morning, I settled back into my chair to watch and wait...again. About an hour and half later, a lone doe stepped out about 25 yards from me. I gently shifted my rifle into position, anchored my left elbow against my body for rest, laid the cross hair of the scope right on her neck and pulled the trigger. She dropped without a sound. I let out a YeeHaw and went to her, knowing that Rick would soon come to see if I brought blood. This hunt was for my Daddy, tears fell, I knew I couldn't tell him but he would have been proud of me. Rick has encouraged me all the way although I don't think he expected me to stick with it. There are four more days of season and I must go buy another tag and watch for that big buck. He thinks I have huntin' fever now for sure!