We started out walking along the hedgerow. This is where Jeremy got our first catch and release bunny last year.
We broke some brush, but didnt see a lot of bunnies. Shawn asked Curt and I to set the standers on the far end of the island of trees, with Curt going the long way around.
After the standers were set, I got really nervous. I couldnt see the next guy from Curt's side and I was concerned about the break in the wall of orange. No need to worry at all, for within a few minutes Curt was there. We were all set, a good thing too because I could hear brush breaking, beagles singing and the call of "Bunny!!" out in front of me.
Now for those of you that have done this hunt, this time, these moments that you wait are filled with a nervousness. Anticipation of bunnies and shot angles usually flood my mind. That wasnt the case with this, the first push.
Instead, I found myself thinking back to times I shared with my Dad, and all he taught me. There I was 30 feet away from the other standers, and I was completely alone with my dad. I found myself remembering his vague but helpful teachings in regards to the recurve I began my hunting career with. "Pick a spot." he would whisper. He had this habit of keeping his hand on my upper back. I dont know why, but knowing what I know now, maybe he knew something about back tension. Perhaps it was his way of calming me for the shot...
I digress. So there I was, alone, but with bunny hunters. Alone, but there with dad-so vividly. I heard that a bunny was down, and I smiled. I thought I heard Swampbuck got it, and let out a whoop. After all he and Sonny have done, it made me glad.
Suddenly Bill Langer yelled "Bunny!! Out front! Coming to you Jamie!" and he let an arrow loose. I caught movement, and began tracking the bunny from right to left. I didnt panic like usual, just waited for an opening. The rabbit stopped, and he was about 15 yards out, right in front of me. I had a small opening that was filled by his head and neck. I began to draw, and something magical happened. Something brushed across my back. I would swear I heard a whispered "Pick a spot." I burned a hole right below the bunny's eye...
Next thing I knew, my arrow hit the rabbit, a bit low in the neck but the second bunny was secured. I sat there in a state of awe.
A lot of emotions hit. Did I imagine that? Was there something in my mind that had? Did a fellow hunter remind me to pick a spot? Was it a branch I felt on my back? My mind was awash with a million thoughts and questions as I stared in disbelief at the bunny I just shot.
There was a noise in my head, like water rushing, or wind blowing. Then I began to hear the cheers of those next to me. Curt offered to get the bunny, as he had a straight shot through little brush. Eventually I asked him to get it for me, as I did not want to take the chance of it getting away. He did, without hesitation, and later informed me it wasnt really needed. Thanks again Curt.
Later on, after the push was complete there were pictures, and interviews. It was nice to have something to smile about and share with friends.
I sit hear typing this, and I still dont know what actually happened. It was a special moment. Shared with special friends. One that I will cherish and remember for the rest of my days.
I learned later on in the day that the shot was recorded from two angles. Im anxious to see it, and compare it to what happened in my mind's eye.
Either way, an amazing thing happened to me that morning. I realized that I still had my Dad, more so than I could remember during the hard years of Alzheimer's and being one of his caregivers. Memories came back that I had long forgotten. The proverbial flood gate was opened.
That bunny was for you Dad.
Topic: Joan Leonard Memorial Bunny Hunt 2010(We Raised $6000) ( My Final THANKYOU!!!!) (Read 96773 times)
