***Disclaimer*** No animals were harmed for the making of this post.
Well, it has been a number of years since I wrote part 1 and 2 of the great-white hunter’s adventures. So for those who have patiently waited for an update, read on. For those that have no idea what part 1 and 2 are about, I suggest you go back and read those posts before continuing on. There is some very critical information you need to know for this one to make sense.
The expression on the doe in the above picture really captures this hunting season. That face was displayed many times around this house. (BTW, that doe was caught on our camera having a late night snack). The first “are-you-serious” moment happened the day the great-white hunter emerged from his den declaring he had won the draw for his doe tag. That’s right! His odds of bringing home the venison doubled as he could now shoot a buck or a doe. This year was looking up…ninth year’s the charm. Bundled up and loaded down with every trick and gadget one could possibly need to lure those intelligent four-legged beauties in, the great-white hunter began the season with great enthusiasm. The confidence and manliness that exuded from this man made the Old Spice advertisement men look pathetic. The days began before sunup and supper was served after sundown.
The second and third “What? I-can’t-believe-that-just-happened” moment came halfway through the season. Patience had finally paid off! Out from the edge of the woods a buck emerged! shhhhhhh. why am I yelling? one must be very, very quiet while hunting. The great-white hunter who had taken on form and shape of the surrounding area – like a chameleon – took aim, a deep breath, and BANG!!!! The deer bolted only to return to the camera a few nights later. Wait. You didn’t really think he was going to shoot it, did you? Why shoot a buck when you can have a doe? That’s right! The next day was deja vu only this time a doe wondered out. BANG!!! Gotcha again! We love animals, we try to protect them from others. We actually run a deer training camp where we teach them how to avoid getting killed. We do in fact use real ammunition, but they are smart and won’t be as motivated without the real thing.
The last “Seriously!” moment came when after a very bone chilling morning, the great-white hunter had to be rescued by our farmer neighbor and his crew. You see, the side-by-side that transports the man into the woods broke down and the battery died. Thankfully, tractors can still make it through snow and rough terrain. The manly man spent the next few hours huddled under a ball of warm blankets sipping hot chocolate.
When the season ended after four weeks of highs and lows, the great-white hunter added another notch to his gun for the years of coming home empty handed. Some people have all the luck…I wouldn’t have stories to tell without it. Although, this year did not have the results we were hoping for, I am very proud of the perseverance and determination the great-white hunter has shown. He is very limited as to how he hunts and where he can go, but it doesn’t stop him. He is an encouragement to me and someone that keeps me going. When his time comes, it will be cherished more as the journey has been long and hard fought. In the meantime, I just tell people