I just recently returned from 13 days on the island of Molokai, where I hunted axis deer. I don't use a guide there as I'm familiar with the deer and the terrain. I had found a perfect old acacia tree on a dry hillside, and I constructed a blind beneath it. In my blind was a small chair and my shaggie coat, plus headcover. My norm was to get up at 3:45 am, and be out the door by 4:00. I would walk along the beach and then cut uphill into the bush toward my blind. Once there I'd drop my pack and just sit for a while in the dark, letting the tradewinds cool me down. Once cool I would slip into the shaggie stuff and get ready for sunrise. The deer came almost every morning, but were amazingly difficult to get a shot at...per their usual paranoid and spooky nature.
Around halfway into the trip I went to my blind and did the usual routine. By 4:45 I had my shaggie gear on and the sky was brightening to my left front. With no warning I felt a severe, acid-like pain near my right sideburn. I knew it was a sting, but had never felt this before. It was as if an internal 2000 degree fire was burning my face. I imagined a wasp, but had felt nothing prior to the pain.
I ripped my headcover and jacket off, hoping whatever had stung me wouldn't hit me again. I clutched my face and felt for my headlamp. Finding it quickly, I punched the button and lit up the blind...damn the deer. I picked up the shaggie gear to shake it, but the truth showed up immediately. A good-sized brown scorpion was on the ground and heading for darkness. Before I could react, the scary-looking thing made it to a rock pile and crawled in. I knew it was the culprit, but had no real desire to try and exact revenge. I had a decision to make, and I made it. I decided to stay and hunt.
My face swelled some, and I had radiating pains periodically. I wasn't having any systemic effects, and told myself I would vacate immediately if that happened. It turned out okay, though I stayed longer to let the swelling go down before heading back. I had chances at several deer, but never pulled the string that morning.
No moral to this story. Just amazed that a hunt in 'safe' Hawaii wasn't so safe after all. The things you go through and experience in a lifetime outdoors...some of it unpredictable.
Topic: Scorpion: A New Experience (Read 562 times)
