There is a bigger problem for deer hunters than scent masking, shooting ability, or treestand placement. I have not found the solution in Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops, or my local hunting gear stores. Maybe you can help?
It hit me one sunny, fall afternoon during a Rip n’ Tear deer hunt several years ago. I was slowly making my to my watch by taking a trail that dad and I hat cut out before the hunt. It acted as short cut to the area I was watching, while cutting through some great deer country in the process. I was hoping to surprise some ‘bedded’ deer in the afternoon sun. There was plenty of the usual deer sign along the way, but I did not see anything really fresh as I approached the watch. A large, solitary oak tree marked the spot for the afternoon. A warm breeze tempted me to take off my hunting coat and lay it on the ground beside me. It was then I noticed how dry the ground was I was standing on. Sunbeams broke through the overhead branches and beckoned me to sit a moment. I propped my jacket up behind me and rested my back on the base of the oak tree. I double checked the safety on my gun and rested it across my lap.
Then it happened.
We work hard when we hunt don’t we? When you take into consideration:
- the endless forest paths we walk
- the dishes and pots that get washed every meal
- a mad dash or two to the outhouse
- wood piling
- wood cutting
- gun cleaning
- hunt planning
- hound rescue operations
You probably have encountered my problem that overcame me on this sunny, fall day.
I fell asleep.
There it is people. The unsolved factor that has probably impacted us all in the hunting brotherhood. Some of you will admit it and the rest of you are just lying!
At some point in my slumbering state I heard a twig snap and some leaves shuffle not far from from my afternoon bed. I clenched my .308 and slowly opened my eyes. Not more than 15 feet from me were two does. They were foraging on the ground and they were completely unaware of my presence! I chuckled silently inside because I could already hear the ‘jury’ back in the camp as they cross-examine me about the events that were about to take place under this oak tree.
I don’t know what you are supposed to do in this situation, but I took a fast, far from subtle approach. I jumped up, clicked my saftey off, and brought my gun up. The deer stomped in surprise of my sudden appearance and hit mach 10 before I could shoulder my gun.
I emptied my magazine in a rapid volley of six shots and when the smoke cleared it was just me, the oak tree, and a chattering squirrel. I hung my head in disgust and picked up my jacket and started the lonely trip back to camp.
I hoped the guys heard my 6 shot alarm clock because I knew I would have to take this one for the team. None of them are going to admit they fell under the day’s sleepy spell.
