greybark
12-06-2017, 10:16 AM
Two weeks prior to my annual late season WT Rock Ck hunt , came down with that damn cold with a cough you can`t get rid of . The thought of " why the hell am I doing this " popped up several times . 45 years of hunting Rock Ck with rifle (15) , Compound (12) and Traditional (18)8) provided adventure with self worth but this year seemed a bit pointless . Made a couple of promises so forced my CNN ass off the couch to Tree stand mode and headed out !
Surprise by the lack of snow and nice temperatures gave way to seven days of on and off snow with no wind and overcast . One day scouting and setting up tree stand in a slightly different location where snow was more prevalent .
Next morning in the stand at first light and what seems like a calm awakening of the forest is pure magic . Twenty minutes later I`m shocked to see a large 5 point suddenly approach to 18 yards where at the slight motion of drawing my longbow he blew out . What a start to this hunt ! The next five days saw several does , but the highlights were squeeking in an Ermine for twenty min of entertainment and various squirrels one of which would bounce on the end of thin rose hip branches reaching that last seed .
Last morning is highlighted by a slowly meandering 4 point at 60 yds , using a cough threatening mouth call He took his time but came into 40 yards and hung up . My next call with a bit of cough mixed in resulted in the buck last seen headed up a local hillside . LOL
Back home with all the unloading done am going to do nothing and let this tired 78 year old frame recover .
Next year , well will think about it !
Surprise by the lack of snow and nice temperatures gave way to seven days of on and off snow with no wind and overcast . One day scouting and setting up tree stand in a slightly different location where snow was more prevalent .
Next morning in the stand at first light and what seems like a calm awakening of the forest is pure magic . Twenty minutes later I`m shocked to see a large 5 point suddenly approach to 18 yards where at the slight motion of drawing my longbow he blew out . What a start to this hunt ! The next five days saw several does , but the highlights were squeeking in an Ermine for twenty min of entertainment and various squirrels one of which would bounce on the end of thin rose hip branches reaching that last seed .
Last morning is highlighted by a slowly meandering 4 point at 60 yds , using a cough threatening mouth call He took his time but came into 40 yards and hung up . My next call with a bit of cough mixed in resulted in the buck last seen headed up a local hillside . LOL
Back home with all the unloading done am going to do nothing and let this tired 78 year old frame recover .
Next year , well will think about it !