Took a walk today hoping for a shot at a turkey. Got a few shots at some tree rats. Rolled one pretty good, but he got up, flexed, then ran back up the tree. So much for judos on tree rats. Started using my Bh tipped arrows after that.
I was sneaking through the logging trails and clear cuts hoping for a shot at anything in season. I saw a multiflora rose bush move. Instantly, I slowed, checked the wind(out of habit-didnt see the critter yet).
I got about 15 yards from the rosebush and saw an ear. I circled around the rosebush.Took me about ten minutes. "Slow" I kept telling myself. I was doing my best to be a tree. Motionless yet in motion.
Eventually, I was only separated from the animal by the bush. Nothing to do, cant shoot through the tangled branches. Cant even let them touch you, or they hold on. I move ever so slowly, one meticulous step at a time. I come around and I see a hindquarter. Another step, perfect quartering away shot. I draw, anchor, breathe...then whisper "thump". At that word, the doe turns and sees me six feet away, her eyes bulge and she trips over herself to get as far away as fast as she can. I realize after I ease down that Im shaking ever so slightly. What a rush!
I continued on to a known roost site, figuring to sit until "roost time". I find a perfect deadfall to ambush unsuspecting turkkeys from. I cleared away the dead leaves and debris and did my best to melt into the scenery.
My vigil interupted by my growling stomach. I dig out an apple from my pocket. I must have been very hungry, because that apple was good! While I was chewing, I heard the faintest sound behind me. I froze. No more sound. I slowly lean around the big pine Im using as a back rest. My eyes bulge. An absolutely HUGE coyote, beautiful in his winter coat, is ten yards away and looking away from me. My heart begins to pound as I think I am about to get a shot. It is then I realize I still have the apple in my gloved hand. I try to devise a way to drop the apple, draw and shoot-after spinning around the pine. Not gonna happen. I look around the other way, looking for an opening, while silently laying the apple on the ground. To my astonishment, another yote is standing there five yards behind the first-watching me. We make eye contact, then its an instant explosion of padded feet on leave, sticks breaking, and squirrels chattering at the sudden movement. I didnt even draw my bow.
I realize, after they were out of sight, that I am shaking again. I look down, my apple rolled into the dirt. My stomach growls. Its almost dusk. I guess I will go home. The turkeys never showed up anyway.
I get home, greeted by my wife and my jealous Britany Spaniel(she's mad I was in the woods without her). My son giggles when I squat down to hug him. Then he takes his first steps to me. My wife and I, mouthes agape, begin to laugh. Our son is walking on his own for the first time. Over and over again between us.
It was a GREAT day.
Topic: Counting Coupe (Read 341 times)
