What a Day!!!! My first deer ever!!!!

For several years now I have wanted to go hunting. So last year I asked my friend Roger if he would take me. He said I had to prove to him that I could shoot. I said 'Great. When can we do that?' A couple of days later we went over and I got my lesson on the rifle and the safety. I took aim and fired away I believe 3 rounds the first time. We all got up and went to see the target. I had done very well... only one out of the big circle. I was excited and said I wanted to do it again. The next time I hit in the tiny circle and several in the smaller one out. I was pleased with my deonstration, but couldn't tell waht everybody else thought. We went inside with me feeling accomplished and glad my shooting lessons beginning at the age of five with my dad paid off. Visiting went on and then it was time to go. As I was putting my coat on to go, Roger said, "Well, you exceeded my expectations. I did not even think you would hit the target. If you really want to go hunting, be here at 5 tomorrow morning and we will go." I was so thrilled and replied, "I will be here."

The next morning was early and cold, but I was there. I adorned the necessary orange coat and hats not worrying about the fashion no no, just ready to go. We went and sat in the homemade deer stand wagon. It was cold and my body was nervous. I kept thinking I saw one, but it never was. What we did see was a beautiful red tailed hawk swoop into the grass. Then a rather large coyote walked right by us and then we saw the most fantastic red fox I have ever seen. He had the blackest ears and the most gorgeous tail that was all poofy with a black ring and then a silver tip on the end. The way he moved across the field was so graceful, I was stunned and even forgot in that moment of beauty that I had my camera and I could have shot him, but then he caught our scent, looked at us and lept into the tall grass. The morning went on and we saw nothing. Back to the house for a late but delicious breakfast.

I did go hunting again on the last day of deer season and I sat in the stand for several hours and saw nothing. however, there was a time that my heart began to race and pound when the leaves were rustling and my mind began to say "It is right behind you. You have to be prepared to shoot it...." I would slowly turn around to see nothing, but I definitely heard leaves moving. Twice that happened and my nerves were shot.... I thought that Roger was trying to freak me out, but no! It was a little squirrel. I found out they are very noisy and deer are not. Dusk was falling and I put the safety on and put the gun down. I was going to shoot SOMETHING this year! I picked up my camera and began capturing the sunset on the bluffs for the colors were radiant. I shot for about 8 minutes and as I finished and turned around, there was a small buck just standing there watching me. He flipped his head and in two bounds he had turned around and disappeared into the woods. OH well, I was his entertainment for the day. At least I had finally seen one. The season ended with my freezer empty but me knowing I could go the next year.

this story and images will continue, but this is rush holiday season....