I hunt, because, at this point, i don't know how NOT to, if that makes any sense at all (but I think, to a true hunter, it will). I grew up hunting....from ten yrs old on, its been one of my biggest passions. While I enjoy small game hunting, varmint hunting, and upland game, deer hunting is something I enjoy more than anything other. I took a 24 in. wide 5x5 mulie on my first morning ever deer hunting at age 12, and thats all it took...I was hooked for life, no amount of rehab would ever "fix" me!!! Just before the season opener this year, I was inspired to try to put the emotions I feel that time of year on paper, and this is what i came up with....
Up before dawn
I stumble out of bed and yawn
But I've been awake all night stewing
well before the coffee was brewing
For today is THE day
the one I wait for all year
For today is the day,
I finally get to hunt some deer
Better than my birthday and Christmas
All rolled into one
A fall morning so beautiful
A morning spent with special people
and of course, my gun
Plans are made before the sun slowly rises
but are quickly abandoned
as the hunt is full of surprises
Even before we leave the house
deer are moving, north, west east and south
Bucks and does
mulies and whitetails
pursuing them is all today entails
AS the gear is loaded and the tanks are filled
we reminiscence about the deer we've killed
about big racks and following tracks
We talk about the deer on the wall
and about the big one that escaped just last fall
As the morning becomes crisp and bright
the world has never felt just so right
shots in the distance
maybe someone's tag is filled
With a trophy, I hope someone is thrilled
I ponder life as I patiently wait
while I hope for “my” buck to test his fate
A movement in the brush
My heartbeat begins to rush
Suddenly.... he appears
A majestic beast
with antlers stretching far beyond his ears
I aim my rifle, and slowly squeeze......
Boom!
And the silence is broken
as I approach, not a word is spoken
After twenty two seasons
the excitement and the sadness is still there
As I admire my trophy
in the cool fall air
As the work begins and I start field dressing
I can't help, but feel hunting is my blessing
So many emotions, all wrapped into one
I can't believe another season is already done
These are the days I live for
I hope they never go away
For I always hope to see
another opening day
^ THAT is why I hunt.....nature, friends, family, challenges and rewards