Walks in

[Bowguy67]

Sunday morning in NY state the sky was beautiful. On the walk in (I never use a flashlight) the stars were twinkling, moon bright enough to cast slight shadows even though partially cloud obscured. Wasn’t fully light either. Cool air ran across shaved head, weight of the stand on my back and slightly stressed legs a familiar and comfortable feeling. Frost wetting boots. Been at it since early 80s and it never gets old.
Once in the tree the night animals and sounds of acorns falling were pleasant until an owl started. Magical. The smell of rotting leaves in the air almost intoxicating.
I personally love the time just before light. Maybe the anticipation of what’s to come is part of it I think it’s just part of the hunt experience I really enjoy.
2 years ago I was hit w a surgery that left me unable to walk, talk or feed myself.
That was June, by Sept I could slightly walk. My girl shook her head as I attached a climber to a tree to try climbing. By Oct I had shot my first buck of the year.
The hunt is a big part of the reason I was compelled to regain as much as I could.
Sunday morning I passed a small buck n had does just out of range. Great morning.
I’m sure some fellas understand.
Thank God and my friends for helping me get to enjoy these sunrises and sunsets again. Shoot straight boys

[Yooper-traveler]

Well said!

I've been in a similar situation.  Kudos for not quitting.

Hearing the rustle of leaves, smelling fall, crisp air- just beginning to nip your skin......

When I walk back back to camp at night my soul is refreshed.  I feel like a boy again.

[GCook]

Every sunrise is a gift.
Spending it in a the woods hunting is a blessing.

Sent from my SM-G892A using Tapatalk

[Howitser]

Nice,
I can visualize your nocturnal expedition but can only imagine the pleasure you must feel after your experience.
Reminds us we must enjoy every minute however mundane they may be.
Thank you and best of luck

[Bowguy67]

Thank you guys some of the best moments to me are before the hunt even begins.

[Wudstix]

Congratulations, and a super read.  Understand being told you'll never walk again.  That was 39 years ago.  Just got back from hiking a chunk of the AT with two of my brothers and my best friend from birth.  Hunt as much as you can, soak up the aroma of life!

[Bowguy67]

Congratulations, and a super read.  Understand being told you'll never walk again.  That was 39 years ago.  Just got back from hiking a chunk of the AT with two of my brothers and my best friend from birth.  Hunt as much as you can, soak up the aroma of life!

Awesome and thank God!!!
I was actually told I might not make surgery. Within 4 months of the surgery I was standing over a buck w my dominant eye sewed shut, rough balance, light on dexterity. Shoulda seen me trying to get it into my truck. I saw no other alternatives.
The calling off he woods is loud. Can’t imagine not being in there and watching the morning begin again. Deer hunting isn’t the only time I feel it. I feel the same way turkey hunting. Just before that first gobble I’m as alive as it gets.
Same for waterfowl or I’m sure predawn hikes elk, moose, etc n such.

[John Cholin]

Bowguy

Welcome back!  Don't give up - each day you will get a little better, a little closer to the guy you remember.  Some of us old guys have been knocked down a time or two and had to fight our way back.  We know what you are going through.  Don't give up, you are on your way and there ain't no stopping you.  You are coming home.

JMC

[Captain*Kirk]

God is Good.
Loved your story. I'm generally more of an afternoon hunter by choice; most of my walk stories are 'walk out' stories but much the same. There are emotions that at are difficult to describe as you listen to the sound of your feet scuffing along a trail, watching landmarks disappear in the deepening twilight, until you reach your truck in complete blackness. It's magical.
Thanks for sharing.

[Bowguy67]

Bowguy

Welcome back!  Don't give up - each day you will get a little better, a little closer to the guy you remember.  Some of us old guys have been knocked down a time or two and had to fight our way back.  We know what you are going through.  Don't give up, you are on your way and there ain't no stopping you.  You are coming home.

JMC

Thanks. I never gave up. To be frank it was ten plus hours of brain tumor surgery that set me back. Think about how great life is. If it had been a family member especially my kids I’d have wished it was me. I knew I could handle it and never doubted the outcome. Also all of us have struggles. We can use em to show our kids how to handle adversity. Always fight.

It was only 4 months from surgery til  I shot My first buck.  One more a month later. 6 months from the date I was cleared to work. I’m a little limited that just means we do whatever it takes. It’s bow hunting that was part of my goals.
Understand this thread is not about an issue though I appreciate the well wishes. It’s about parts of our sport never spoke of. Some of the best times. Glad we get to enjoy em

[Tom]

Thank you for sharing your story-enough years and we all have life's ups and downs. We just have to keep in mind what keeps us going-family,the outdoors or what ever. I was down a couple of years ago but with the love of a good woman and a hard head I was also able to once again to enjoy the taste of autumn like I remembered it. My wife knew how much the woods meant to me and helped me through a difficult patch and now I am able to once again get out there. I enjoy going in early and listening and watching the woods wake up-enjoy the small and large things in life.

[Wudstix]

God is good all the time, all the time God is good!  That is His nature!  One step at a time, one breath at a time.

[Roy from Pa]

God Bless ya Michael..

 

[Bowguy67]

Thanks

[Bisch]

Spot on!!!!

I’m glad you were able to overcome and keep at it. I know someday I will not be able to hunt anymore. I sure hope that day is a loooooooong ways off and because I died! I just couldn’t stand the thought of opening day coming along and me sitting at the house because I couldn’t do it anymore!!!!!!

My wife has asked me more than once why I keep going and sitting in the woods when, more times than not, I don’t get anything. She just doesn’t understand all the really cool stuff there is to see, hear, and experience in the woods, apart from the kill!!!!!!!!

Bisch

[Silent footed]

I was out there that morning, in the Catskills. It was beautiful. Having roosted 5 turkeys the night before, I hiked out long before sunrise, taking advantage of the moonlight to navigate to a nearby pinch point (with no light to alert the birds); but as luck had it, after sunrise, they flew down and went the opposite way.

The grouse are still drumming.

[Captain*Kirk]

My wife has asked me more than once why I keep going and sitting in the woods when, more times than not, I don’t get anything. She just doesn’t understand all the really cool stuff there is to see, hear, and experience in the woods, apart from the kill!!!!!!!!

^^^^^^^^^^^This!^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[Pine]

I totally get it.