Today is the day

[Three Arrows]

Today is the day that I reflect on my favorite pastime, traditional bowhunting.  I think of all the past successful hunts, the failed hunts, and the memories of the people I shared hunts with.  I reflect on the lessons that I have learned along the way and I make plans for future hunts for next year.  This year began with an unsuccessful hunt that gave me some insights.  I began the year 2016 with bronchitis that carried over from the 2015 season.  I saw a monster buck bedding down under a cluster of spruce trees and made a stalk on him. As I closed the gap to 30 yards I got excited and started coughing my lungs out.  I thought for sure the buck was gone but he just stood up and looked around!  I buried my face down in the cold hard ground to muffle things a bit but I just could not stop coughing. All of a sudden, I felt my left 7th rib break with a loud crack.  But that buck would not leave.  I finally stood up and scared him off.  This fall I did not see him again but all the signs were still there that the was still alive.  My insights?  I learned that the coughing did not scare the buck off. Why? I have no clue.  But I did learn that I am not tough enough to shoot a bow with a broken rib!  I also end the year with the hope that I will be a better archer come next year. I also resolve to spend more time afield. As always, I read through the entire year's TradGang posts and enjoy every word of it.  So much camaraderie here and so much experience to be gleaned from all of our membership. You guys are great.    

[ChuckC]

Sorry you had that episode.  I too had deer not react when I coughed several times.  It was a fork buck at about ten yards.  He sure lit out when I clinked my arrow against my bow.

I guess deer cough too.

[Amberjack]

Great story 3A.  That's really curious that coughing strong enough to crack a rib wouldn't scare him away!

Here's to patient stalks, favorable winds, hot coffee and good comrades in 2017.

Jack

[Friend]

It remains a joy to know that our family is endowed with such remarkable individuals.

Hopefully, nest year will present another coveted close encounter and much improved health,

[South MS Bowhunter]

To a better 2017 if the Lord should tarry!