My plane was delayed about 45 minutes into Atlanta and by the time we made the 2 hour jaunt back to JC's place and picked up my license, I was pretty much wiped out and ready for bed. Of course it was closing in on midnight and you know opening day comes early.
Up around 5 AM, burning adrenaline and showing no signs of only getting a few hours sleep. Did I mention the comfortable bed? WOW. Anyhow, JC had some stands already scouted and set up for us to hunt. After a quick shower, it was time to get into my hunting gear and get down to serious business. I grabbed a piece of fruit for breakfast and an energy bar and bottle of water for the road. We headed out back through JC's horse pasture and slipped silently into the woods. I was a little concerned about the bright moon but we would be ready for the deer, no matter what time they decided to show up.
JC's son, Chase, would be joining us with a bow in hand this morning and I was excited for him as I mentally recalled those times years ago when I was that size and walking out into the woods with my Dad on all those opening mornings we shared.
They walked with me to my stand location then we parted with handshakes and well wishes as they headed to theirs. I got settled into the comfortable stand and just sat for a while, inhaling the clean, dark air and my heart beat in anticipation for another opening day.
The sun rose and the black and gray forms turned into vibrant colors with each step the sun took into the morning sky. I was quite a ways from my house but, as usual, I felt like I was home in this setting as the opening morning played out in front of me as they have since I can remember.
The moon proved a factor and I ended the morning watch with no deer sightings. I was surprised at how similar this woodlot looked to many of the ones I'm used to back home. The amount of white oak trees was unreal and they were beginning to drop a few morsels here and there for the woodlot critters. There were a few squirrels fighting and gathering them but no deer responded to the sweet sounds of oak seeds tapping on the forest floor.
Here's a look from the stand to my right.
There are three drainages that come together in front of me around 15-20 yards away. JC had done his homework. The wind was perfect and this was a likely spot for a close encouter of the white tail kind. Plenty of cover and plenty of shooting lanes, the perfect combination.
-Brian
www.bowyersjournal.com
Topic: Georgia archery opener, a hunt with JC. (updated with pics) (Read 5261 times)
