A quiet day in the stand.

[RAF]

Yesterday was another day in the stand, that turned out to be a quiet one. At first light I saw some movement but it was only a skunk waddleing along. Gave it a pass(didn't want to stink up the neighborhood). After that not a single deer came into my kill zone. Other deer were seen but either out of range in a location I couldn't shoot because of some trees. I did see a monster mulie buck. He was travelling with 3 other bucks, all of which would be shooters. Then a huge white tail buck who was with a smaller one went same way. These deer were between 500 and 600 yds away. I can now say for sure that there are big deer in the area. What I've observed is that every day the deer seem to follow a different path. Patience should be rewarded one of these days

[ozark]

Thanks for sharing. Interesting to me.

[RAF]

Saturday morning I was in my blind again. Today no coyotes, or skunks . Deer started moving at sunrise. Had several go by. You know I suddenly realized that I don't have that desire to kill a deer this year. I'm content to sit and watch them, and maybe take a picture. Don't know what's wrong with me. Maybe I'm preoccupied with my upcoming back surgery. I can't explain it. Oh well. I guess there plenty of time left this year and we'll see how fast I recover

[ozark]

RAF, There is nothing wrong with not having a urge to kill a deer. Often I am in that mood and find a inward peace by just being a part of the woods and observing. Obviously your mind and views are altered by the upcoming surgury. Anxiety about any surgury is normal. But what was very serious cutting and took months to recover is now simple and not nearly as invasive as just a few short years ago. The deer hunter who shoots seldom and watches much will learn the habits and defense mechanism of deer and soon becomes a better hunter.
I need to kill my limit this year because of the abundance of deer and the fact that they are doomed to a lean winter due to the acorns being wiped out by a late freeze. When I took the doe to the processing plant they told me that they welcomed deer brought in and donated to the hungry and paid for by the farmers and someone else. I may take a couple there.
It has helped me over the years when facing difficult health problems to get a project of some kind going that kept my mind occupied. That may well be the only reason I bought a Savage to begin with. Just feeding the little boy within to keep him happy. Your surgury will go fine and that urge to take a wall hanger will return. Ben. PS:
A patient was on the operating table while the Surgeon was washing up and getting his mask and gloves on. "Doctor, You have no doubt noticed that I am very nervious, this is my first surgery." "Yes, I did notice and I know the feeling. This my first one also." Now that would elevate tension is a New York heartbeat.

[RAF]

ozark said:

inward peace

That may well be the best description of what I feel. Thank you.

Oh, that joke doesn't apply to my surgeon. He's a veteran. I only hope he doesn't catch cold and sneeze while digging around in my spine .

[billc]

"I'm content to sit and watch them, and maybe take a picture. Don't know what's wrong with me."

RAF,

Nothing is wrong, we call it hunting not shooting nor killing. Pulling the trigger is your choice at that time.

Get well soon!!

Bill