Frustrating Year with a Positive End

[Deerman#22]

This year has brought many trials for all of us. Whether it be a loss of a job, loss of a loved one, or just the stress of working in our current culture, we all have encountered a down moment in this year. For me, I am a High School Math teacher, and coach who has dealt with the crazy protocols that have been placed upon us during this school year, and in the beginning of October, we lost my Mother-In-Law, unexpectedly to COVID-19. Needless to say, the beginning of the hunting season this year for me looked completely different.

Bow season started the last weekend in September for us in Ohio, and with the circumstances listed previously, I was unable to hunt opening weekend. Life happened and my opportunity for the first bow hunt of the year eluded me. My first opportunity to hunt came the week of Halloween, and I set off for an evening hunt. It could not have been more therapeutic.  I sat in the blind, and just took in the nature around me. About 20 minutes in, I got to see it, the first deer sighting of the season! A mature doe worked her way through the field edge in front of me.  Then, 30 minutes later, I see a big old 6 pointer, that I had marked as my #1 hit-list buck, walking into the field 20 yards in front of me. His eyes were locked on me the entire time. He worked his way towards me, walking directly at me, staring right into my eyes. He got to 6 yards away, and the stare down ensued, for another 2 minutes. Then he bounded off with no shot opportunity. I was crushed, but at the same time, thankful for a great first sit in the woods. Then, I got to hunt 12 more times, during the month of November, seeing a total of 4 deer, all on the same night, with no shot opportunity. 

Thanksgiving week comes around and busyness begins. I go through the week just longing for the following Monday, opening day of shotgun season. I always look forward to the time spent with my dad on opening day, and all the memories created each year. This year, in the usual "2020 Fashion", opening morning was full of rain. We go out in the evening with zero sighting of a deer. The week continues, and I hunt 6 more times with zero sightings of deer. By this point, I am worn out, mentally, and physically. All I wanted was to put some meat in the freezer, and it seemed to be impossible. 

But then, Saturday of gun season arrives, and I decide to go out and just be thankful for the opportunity. I get set up early and spend some time in The Word, and in prayer. The woods begin to wake up, and then, it happens, a doe walks in perfectly, to 20 yards, and gives me the perfect opportunity. I raise my gun, put the crosshairs on the doe, and squeeze the trigger.  The amount of peace and gratefulness that came upon me at that moment was amazing. I couldn't help but sit in the stand and cry, and just thank God for providing a deer for my family. She may not be one of the biggest does, but she sure is a trophy to me. A trophy that I couldn't be more thankful for. 

With all the terrible things we have encountered this year, having an opportunity to end it on a positive note, was incredible. I will forever be thankful for this deer, and the joy that it brought to my heart.

[thundar]

In the words of Fred Bear, harvesting a deer will "cleanse the soul".  So glad you were able to 

harvest a deer!

[wtnhunt]

Congratulations.  Looks like a good sized doe.  Maybe your 6 point will hang around and be bigger next year.

 

[Rhino]

Congratulations!