First Snow of the Year

[Broadside]

It was snowing in my part of Ontario when I finished lunch. I had already decided to go for an afternoon hunt and the forecast only called for 1-2cm, so I put on my camo and packed up my crossbow.

My bow is an Exocet 200. It was a gift from my dad years ago. I cant remember now if it was for my birthday or Christmas, but Im sure he remembers. I packed it in its carrying case, slung my small camo chair over my shoulder, grabbed two arrows and off I went.

I don't have an ATV or a truck, but I have a big property to hunt on. I walked to the back of it as the snow continued to fall. It was windy, blowing from the northwest, and I didnt expect anything to be moving. I emerged from some woods about a kilometer and a half away from the house and saw the back end of a deer standing in a clearing about 70 yards away. I couldnt see whether it had antlers or not, and I watched it for about 15 seconds before I decided to get my bow ready and try to get closer.

I put my chair down, slung the carrying case off my back and quietly opened the zipper. As I drew back the string on my Exocet, the soft click of the string setting behind the trigger catch must have caught the deers attention. It took two steps and its rear end seemed to hang in the air far too long as it lazily jumped over a low spot in a cedar fence. I never saw whether it was a buck or a doe.

I picked up my chair and bow case and found a promising spot between a small ash tree and some red cedars. There were some rubs near by, one of which was along a path about 25 yards upwind of me.

It was around 2:45 when I settled in, squinting towards the wind and the snow. The snow continued to fall, building up on my clothing and my bow. The wind only grew stronger as the afternoon went on.

I watched as ice built up on the rail of my bow and wondered if it would still function when the time came. I remained still, not wanting to disrupt the snow accumulating on me and enhancing my camoflauge. I only moved once in a while to clear the heavy snow from the front of my scope.

Around 4:00 the wind blew through nearby trees. My imagination perceived the noise as antlers smashing together. I heard footsteps behind me soon after, or maybe it was the wind in the undergrowth.

The grey sky grew darker and there was nearly 5cm of snow built up on me. I decided to check the Weather Network instead of AccuWeather next time.

Suddenly mourning doves exploded from the trees 15 yards to the south of me, knocking snow off of surrounding branches as they frantically flapped from their hiding places. I could have reached out and grabbed one if I was quicker, or wanted to grab a mourning dove for some reason. Instead I remained still, hoping to see what had caused their mad flight.

The last of daylight began to fade and the wind continued to blow. Five fifteen arrived and I stood up as legal shooting time ended. I cleared the snow from myself, packed up my bow and my chair, and put on my headlamp.

The coyotes were frighteningly close, howling at my heels. They ushered me out of their domain like a VIP escort as I began the long walk home.

At least I didnt have to drag a deer.

[gerald strine]

Nice read !

[rein1]

Good time in the woods with first snow

[maple]

Good persistence there Broadside, and a good read.

One of these times it'll all come together for you.

[W.Miguire]

Great story you made me feel like I was there with you . love it when you can blend in ,good camo
W.M.

[Pinpoint]

Awesome read!! Thanks for sharing it!

[one shot scott]

Yep, very enjoyable read. I'm glad you posted that. Hunting is more about the joy of being out in their habitat. (I'm guessing it was enjoyable for you) & Its a success when you go unnoticed.

fwiw-I have been caught in freezing rain & I have found out that ice build-up on the rail and string can affect poi.

[Broadside]

fwiw-I have been caught in freezing rain & I have found out that ice build-up on the rail and string can affect poi.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

Thats good to know Scott. I'll have to do a better job of keeping my equipment out of the weather next time.

[Minnow]

Very well written! You just proved that not every good story ends with a kill. Thank you for sharing this

[sproulman]

Last 2 bucks i got I just woke up I fall asleep at around 10 am a lot ..My contact lenses were dry on my eyes I could not see ..Bucks stood there they winded me ...Lifted bow 2 bucks in 2 seasons ..

MANY times after sitting all day I hope Buck does not come out work then begins at age 63 BY MYSELF no help at all and mile into PA WILDS ...

enjoying woods.taking nap is what its all about ...Sad thing is how things were in 60s and how they are now...used to see 40 deer per day on publicland ,easy 12 bucks a day now hunt for 4 weeks see 1 buck and 6 doe,4 weeks of hard hunting..