Even though none of us got to pull this string back, to me this was a very special and rewarding hunt. I am so glad that Pac and Caleb have already told our story. I am so proud of Chowder and the fine job he did on his first real track, but I didn't want to be doing all the bragging here!
Our deer was truly a "GIFT" and I don't know if we will ever know what really happened to her leg. But I know that we all felt greatful to be the recipients of the blessings and memories that she left has left behind with us!
The thrill and excitement was more than just an adrealine rush... it was almost surreal watching Chowder work the trail (which in retrospect he was already working well before Caleb and I discovered the small blood smears/drops) in the dry creek bed. Us watching the doe run flat-out on 3 legs, across the field and with Chowder in tow. Then watching her vanish and feel our hearts sink.
Then the next moment filled with more hope and excitment to see Chowder back-track the trail and then get back on it within just a few moments. With Chowder and the deer now long gone... we were left pondering, and asking each other what do we do now? Well, a few minutes later we hear Chowder barking loudly and we double-time it to him, as it is obvious music to our ears that his bark is emphatic and that he ain't just playing around.
As we get closer, we see that the teckle has bayed the doe in a deep creek bed and he is taking turns at it's good leg and throat, each time she tries to flee. 25 lbs. of a really pissed off, lean & men weenie dog is on that deer like white on rice. We run to the scene and I watch Caleb jump on the deer like he is going for the 8-count! (SMILE GOES HERE) My main concern was keeping Chowder away from Caleb's blade, as he is taking the business end to the deer's vitals and then eventually cutting the windpipe.
Of course, bringing an end of any of God's creatures is this fashion is never a pleasant experience. I would be remiss to say that we both were't both a bit sad to end her life this way. But we knew full well after accessing the situation and based on the condition of her leg, that we were doing the right thing.
The entire "deer wrestling" episode probably lasted about a minute. Otherwise, she would have suffered a terrible death to yotes by night fall, no doubt. I am so glad that I talked with one of our great TG'rs last year about getting myself a tracking dog, his name is Ryan Rathaar. He is such a fine person and Ryan's dog OSKAR is a super-tracker, with many successful tracks under his belt, and a cousin to my Chowder. Our breeder is Sian Kwa of N.C. and her dogs are just amazing and she is a really awesome breeder.
I apologize that these photos are a bit graphic, we should have cleaned up the deer a little more, but I hope everyone enjoys them anyway. My thanks again to my buddies Pac & Caleb!
DUAL SUVIVOR... ARKANSAS STYLE
CHOWDER's FIRST DEER
CHOWDER POWER!
Finally, CHOWDER just 13 months ago
Topic: A few friends get together for a hunt (Read 1120 times)
