Well, The Boys have gone... They have long drives ahead of them.
First and foremost, I would like to thank them for coming to share thier time with Tyler and I!!! Tyler was "absorbed" right into the "Gang" and had the time of his life!!!!! He feels 10 feet tall right now!!! These men, VERY Dear friends of mine, are my Brothers. They took Tyler under thier wing, and did everything they could possibly do, to make it a very special time for him!!! We are VERY Blessed to have these fine men in our lives,and I am a VERY LUCKY man, to have these men of such high caliber, as my Friends!!!!!
The Gang got here friday night around midnight,and it was like a "family reunion"... Tyler was introduced to everyone and they were instant friends! Charlie brought Tyler a green&black Woolrich shirt,and a wool sweater. Also, Manny presented Tyler with a BEAUTIFUL, M.L. knife, That Tyler absolutely loved!!!!! (the next day Tyler told me that he was AMAZED that Manny gave him such a beautiful knife!!! I explained to him, that it is "good luck" on both ends, to give someone a knife) Beer and laughs, along with hunting plans, lasted untill 2am... Then it was off to bed.
Saturday morning was clear and cold... (FROSTY was more like it!) The plan was to hit Stewart Airport by 6am,so we would not be able to sample Nathan's wonderful cooking untill later. Well that didn't happen. When we got there, they had already opened the gate and we had alittle difficulty finding a parking spot. We found 2 close spots by a few standing corn fields. The plan was to hunt the field edges untill about noon, then "regroup"... None of us saw deer that morning, but it was a wonderful morning anyway. Tyler and I met Manny and Charlie back at the truck around 11:30, while Nathan and Drew were still hunting... (napping?) A "Squirrel Stalk" for Tyler, turned into a stump shoot!!! LMAO (isn't that always the way? us traditional bowhunters, just HAVE to shoot at something!) When Nathan and Drew met us back at the truck, plans were made to get lunch and head for another piece of property that Nathan said was "crawling with deer"!!! Well, he wasn't kidding!!!!! We parked the trucks and split up. Tyler and I headed up the mountain. By the time we got 1/2 way up, Tyler was getting one of his Migraine headaches. I set him at the base of a tree, with instructions to just close his eyes and try to relax. I headed over to a fallen White Oak that made an almost perfect ground blind, on the edge of a bench. Tyler was soon sleeping, and the squirrels were apparently concerned that he was no longer a threat... He even had 1 climbing onto and over his legs!!! LOL About 5:30 I caught movement... 2 big does,and 3 little ones, came up the mountain and onto the bench. I could not get a clear shot, so after they moved on up the mountain, I quietly hustled over to get Tyler. "Wake up Buddy, The deer are on the move!" Tyler woke up and his headache was RAGING!!! Still, he quietly hustled over to the deadfall blind and never complained!!!!! Unfortunatly, we did not see anymore deer... About 6pm, we headed down the mountain to the truck.
Drew came back with Nathan, and they had both seen deer. Nathan asked if we had seen anything, and I told him about the does and fawns. The only thing he really cared was "did Tyler get to see them?" When I told him that Tyler had a headache and was sleeping, they were genuinely dissapointed!!!!! When I told them about the squirrels, they couldn't have laughed harder!!!
Charlie and Manny got back shortly after... Charlie had seen a bear!!! It came to about 15 yards, then put his front paws up on a stump, and tried to wind him. He didn't "spook" but knew something wasn't "right" and he moved off. Manny, got to whatch the whole thing unfold, from up the mountainside!!!!!
It was a Good Day!!! Before getting in the truck, I looked to the sky and thanked the Great One, for blessing me with such fortune!!!!!
When we got home,it was time for "food & drink"!!!!! Nathan Started cooking, and Drew took charge of the grill. Venison backstraps, (of which Tyler ate probly half) and Buffalo chicken quaisadias, (sorry Nathan, I can't make them and I sure as hell can't spell them!!!) Plus, of course... More beer!!! It had been a LONG DAY, and it was an early night. The next day promised rain, so the probible outcome was to check the weather, then probly load up on a delicious breakfast, then see if the weather would be cooperative...
This morning was cloudy and warm, and the weather map showed Ulster County practicaly covered with rain. No, problem!!! Nathan worked his magic, and we had a HUGE delicious breakfast of Blueberry pancakes, Bacon, and Coffee!!!! By the time we were done eating, it was raining here in Poughkeepsie... So, we just made another pot of coffee, caught up on old times, and made future plans for new ones!
The rain let up for us to take a few pictures before they left. Tyler and I said our goodbyes, and I truely believe that you guys made a lasting impression on my Son! I will forever be greatful for this time together!!!!!
Thanks Again, my Brothers... For a WONDERFUL time!!!!!
My door is always open for you, Thanks Again!!!!!