Housebound with memories

[ozark]

Thanks to a few days of antibiotics I am feeling much more alive. I am still housebound but my house has windows and I can see the hills across the valley through the mist and light fog. I can see the water droplets release from our shade trees and shrubs and drop to the lawn. It looks warm and inviting as a perfect day to slip through the woods quietly with my eyes seeking an ear, a leg or maybe the horizontal line of a deers back. I can recall creeping through the cedars knowing the deer often just stand during weather like this. The hours and hours of failure and the moments of success passes through the map of memories. The closer look, the conformation that it is a deer and yes, that is a part of an antler showing. The drop to a knee and cocking the hammer. The careful aim through the open buckhorn sights and the shot. The rush to a better view in case a second shot is needed. Then the body of the deer with steam coming off the body. I smell the animal and in short order I smell the blood and the deer is field dressed. I clean my hands on wet leaves and light a cigarette. I sit down just looking at the kill and enjoy the hunters joy of doing it right in the best type of hunting. But now, I face away from the computer and look out my window. No wind and everything is dripping wet except me. I should put a cap under the sink and wet it so that droplets of water will drip from the bill. No, I will return to reality. But it was a good memory anyway. I have killed a few deer perhaps a 100 times. One does not have to be crazy to be an avid hunter but it helps. Ozark

[whyohe]

thoes are some good memories. memories are a nice thing. when we cant get out to do some thing we can remember the good time we had when we did and feel as if we are there and share it with others. some time you can almost remeber the smells and feel the temp.

you must have a nice window there!

[buckfever]

Ozark, would it be possible for a buddy to put some deer scent a 100 yards out that window? Then you would have a decision to make. Watch the bucks or slide a firearm out that window! I am sure someone would take the deer to the butcher. Get her done!
Buckfever

[sw]

Nov 6, 2009 9:04:56 GMT -5 buckfever said:

Ozark, would it be possible for a buddy to put some deer scent a 100 yards out that window?

I think Ben would be in big trouble if he shot a deer out his window. He might get away with it with his x-bow.

[davewolf]

What great memories and what a way of expressing them. I'm glad you wrote that, it makes all of us much more content in our pursuits of the ultimate treasure trove of memories.
As bittersweet as that post sounded, it should be published somewhere for all hunters to read.
I wish I could take you out there, field dress and drag out your buck and have my friend butcher it for you. I have butterflied
back straps in the freezer and I would love to send them to you.
I always have a ritual of sitting with my deer, buck or doe, and looking at the hooves and antlers, if is a buck, and thinking of how and where this animal had been before I stole it from the forest.
I can relate my friend, I can relate.
Have a great day!
Dave

[whelenman]

You have a way with words Ozark.

[zakjak221]

Ozark,

You paint a very clear,detailed picture of a pastime thats been my passion for about 28 years now.
The smells,sights and sounds of nature/hunting are all things that get drowned out in our high tech,fast forward world.
Thanks for sharing your memories with us.

Mark