Another National Holiday
Although it is not shown on the calendar, there is another national holiday observed in the north land: Deer Hunting Opener!
Yep - Friday, at precisely noon, all the men folk (and some women too) took to the country roads, dressed in their orange finery, holding their well cleaned and oiled guns in search of the elusive buck or doe for which they have license to shoot. With itchy fingers poised and ready to pull the trigger as they walk through stubble and pasture lands, eyes focused in on anything that moves, they wait with baited breath for "the one" to put their tag on.
Schools (some of them) in the area actually close on this day. Preparations start two days ahead of time: gas (check), sandwiches and snacks(check), gun cleaned and oiled (check), orange clothing (check), license (check), binoculars and two-way radios (check), beer (ummm, better get some more! check).
I live on a fairly well traveled road. However, at precisely 6:45am this morning it turned in to an interstate. I counted no less than 7 trucks (fully loaded with men in orange) traveling north, their loud mufflers proclaiming their intent to roust out the deer. Now, I ask you....what is the point of stealthily sneaking up on a deer when you drive a truck with loud mufflers?
I got to thinking that if I were an enterprising woman, I should get myself a little stand at the end of my driveway and sell hot coffee and Carmel rolls in the morning. Then at noon, set out sign that says "brats, chips and pop $2.50". I think I could make some money out of this national holiday that lasts for three weekends! (note to self, check in to this for next year!)
And please....that "one that got away" was because you couldn't shoot straight! But, if it makes you feel better to say that your gun got jammed, I understand...I'll play along with you.
I've grown up with hunting all of my life. Not only does it provide good eating, but it also helps to control the deer population, for which I am eternally grateful if it keeps one of those pesky things from jumping out at me at night or early morning.
I don't condone senseless "trophy hunting" - please, if you're going to shoot for the pure thrill of getting the trophy set of antlers to mount, at least be considerate and donate the meat to a family in need. You'll still get your trophy and a needy family will be appreciative of the meat filling their freezer.
Come Monday morning, the stories around the water cooler will be filled with exaggerations and half truths about the hunting weekend. Some will have filled their tags, while others will go to bed at night dreaming of the elusive buck that escaped only to be the target of the chase the upcoming weekend.
Good luck hunters. Use your head and be smart in the hunt, but most importantly, be SAFE!
Yep - Friday, at precisely noon, all the men folk (and some women too) took to the country roads, dressed in their orange finery, holding their well cleaned and oiled guns in search of the elusive buck or doe for which they have license to shoot. With itchy fingers poised and ready to pull the trigger as they walk through stubble and pasture lands, eyes focused in on anything that moves, they wait with baited breath for "the one" to put their tag on.
Schools (some of them) in the area actually close on this day. Preparations start two days ahead of time: gas (check), sandwiches and snacks(check), gun cleaned and oiled (check), orange clothing (check), license (check), binoculars and two-way radios (check), beer (ummm, better get some more! check).
I live on a fairly well traveled road. However, at precisely 6:45am this morning it turned in to an interstate. I counted no less than 7 trucks (fully loaded with men in orange) traveling north, their loud mufflers proclaiming their intent to roust out the deer. Now, I ask you....what is the point of stealthily sneaking up on a deer when you drive a truck with loud mufflers?
I got to thinking that if I were an enterprising woman, I should get myself a little stand at the end of my driveway and sell hot coffee and Carmel rolls in the morning. Then at noon, set out sign that says "brats, chips and pop $2.50". I think I could make some money out of this national holiday that lasts for three weekends! (note to self, check in to this for next year!)
And please....that "one that got away" was because you couldn't shoot straight! But, if it makes you feel better to say that your gun got jammed, I understand...I'll play along with you.
I've grown up with hunting all of my life. Not only does it provide good eating, but it also helps to control the deer population, for which I am eternally grateful if it keeps one of those pesky things from jumping out at me at night or early morning.
I don't condone senseless "trophy hunting" - please, if you're going to shoot for the pure thrill of getting the trophy set of antlers to mount, at least be considerate and donate the meat to a family in need. You'll still get your trophy and a needy family will be appreciative of the meat filling their freezer.
Come Monday morning, the stories around the water cooler will be filled with exaggerations and half truths about the hunting weekend. Some will have filled their tags, while others will go to bed at night dreaming of the elusive buck that escaped only to be the target of the chase the upcoming weekend.
Good luck hunters. Use your head and be smart in the hunt, but most importantly, be SAFE!
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