Party Time

[Mike Belt]

Another rifle opener in the morning! I remember them all; some more than others. Many didn't hold high expectations mainly due to unseasonably high temperatures curtailing daytime movement. This year is looking good for most of Tn in that respect. They should be moving and in most of Tn there should be some degree of rutting or pre-rutting happening in front of an assortment of deer stands. This will be the first opener I haven't been on stand or even in the woods in the last 42 years. A freshly broken hip and leg can do that to you... and believe me I've stumbled around trying to make them work to no avail. I'll miss the sound of leaves rattling in the wind. I'll miss the sparkle of the frosted ground at first light. I'll miss the cold breeze slipping under my collar and the smell of the earth as it warms throughout the morning. I'll miss hearing the snapping of limbs and the telltale grunting of a buck chasing behind a doe as they near my stand. Luckily, I have loved all that enough in the past to have a great recollection. Recalling and experiencing it aren't quite the same though.

Some of you are thankful for that opportunity just as some will take it for granted. There are probably 10,000's who love deer hunting just as much as I do but not 1 that loves it any more. When lost, the reality of that opportunity really hits home. This post serves as a reminder. Appreciate what you'll be doing in the morning and weeks to come whether you make a kill or not. Whether you pass on bucks you would have killed before the new 2 buck limit went into effect, shoot whatever comes by, or you take the buck of a lifetime, you are able to live the experience... that is the common thread we all share and that ties us together as deer hunters.

Play hard. Be safe. Have fun. Best of luck.

 

[scn]

Thanks, Mike. Hope you can make it out there some before the season goes.

For the record, I'm really missing your frequent reports that you have always shared with us.

 

[bigtex]

I hate it for ya Mike, I really do.
I guess we take a lot of things for granted in life. I know i'm just as guilty as anyone in that regard.
Hopefully you will continue to heal and get in the woods before the season ends. Good luck to you!!

 

[Mike Belt]

You know, among the things I'll really miss is seeing something the deer do that I've never seen or encountered before. That doesn't happen often but when it does it's really eye opening and one of the highlights of my season.

I anticipate making it to the woods sometime before season ends even if it's just to sit on my wheeler in the edge of a thicket. It's kind of ironic that my accident was involving deer hunting and yet deer hunting (or the lack of) is what has me working harder trying to get mobile enough to go deer hunting.

scn... Maybe I'll get to tell a tale before it's over with. If not I can come up with some kind of lie, lol.