The temps had dropped to -8 C overnight and zero during the day, and sunny. I worked at that 'till 2:30 then drove back to my stand. Wouldn't ya know it, now that turkey season is over, they're all over the place.
The farmer had mentioned that he'd bought a new chest freezer and was expecting delivery next week. He quipped that it'd be filled with venison soon. Now, I didn't know if he was joking or not. He doesn't hunt much and his wife doesn't care for it. She's a beef and potatoes girl. She added that he'd be eating a lot of raw venison if that were the case.
Monday as I was walking in I saw three deer in a group with no guaranteed shot (I'm a lousy free-hand shooter).
Tuesday morning I was back working with the farmer, bucking up and splitting wood. Sugar maple, yellow birch and black cherry. We managed about 4 cords. Come 2:30 we quit and suited up in hunter orange. His was pertty faded. I headed into the back stand again while he went to a slight ridge he said he had not hunted since he was a teenager. I was still, cool, and I took it all in.
About 4:10, I closed my eyes for a few minutes. Don't know how often I did that, but the last time I eased one eye open a slit, there was a deer!
No telling quite yet what, but he was slinking up the side of the lane to the right with spruce and such between he and I. Every once in a while I caught the glint of bone on his head. He was a good one! Whatever scent he was following was most certainly that of gas and bar oil from my boots while walking in.
He took forever!! I had the time to take my pounding pulse (110) and calm my breathing somewhat. What was he doing!!?? I could have taken a 50 yard facing shot through twigs, but waited. I knew he had to turn even if he was going to leave...as long as I didn't spook him.
Finally, he decided on something cervid, and veered to the right to skirt some low spruce. I was ready. I saw his side ripple and he stumbled. He circled back into the bush and I saw him falter 40 yards away, carrying some serious headgear.
I called the farmer and he came over to put his tag on the deer. He said the deer weren't this big when he was a teenager. Heck, my deer weren't this big ever! I hope his freezer arrives on time.
