This weekend marked another “first” in my life. Alongside Mr. Calvin White and Mrs. Renee Miles, I embarked on another adventure through the woods of Youngsville, North Carolina. Although it started off as a rainy day, the sun broke through at about 2pm and we had quite a beautiful scene before us.
Wild Safari through Youngsville
Carrying nothing but a camera, a bucket of corn, and a rifle, Renee and I followed quietly behind Mr. Calvin as we approached his hunting stands.
The Pro
Following in the Footsteps of the Pro
We all opted to stay together as a group and hide out in shack #2. Because this was my first ever hunt, I really wasn’t sure what to expect, but I had heard enough stories from old high school friends and coworkers that I had a few ideas.
The only thing I can say about the first 2.5 hours is that we watched…and watched…and watched…but saw nothing. Actually, to be honest, here is a more accurate description of the afternoon:
We arrived. We watched. Mr. Calvin fell asleep. Renee fell asleep. I watched. Mr. Calvin woke up. Renee woke up. We watched. Mr. Calvin fell asleep. Renee fell asleep. I watched…and watched…and watched. (Rinse, repeat, etc.)
Watching
Every 10 or 15 minutes I was able to convince myself that the deer were going to flock out into the open at any second. Whether it was a shift in the wind, some geese cackling, or the sound of breaking twigs…I was able to keep myself awake by exciting those nerves with high expectations. Unfortunately, I was consistently let down. But when I least expected it, I just happened to notice two small heads pop out at the far end of the field…and there they were.
Enemies
After waking up the two sleeping bums, we watched our new friends for almost 30-40 minutes. Momma Doe was awfully skittish and constantly on the lookout for any threats. Although she may have suspected we were around, she surely wasn’t ready for Renee…but Renee was ready for her.
After Renee grabbed the rifle and slowly “squeeeeeeezed” that trigger…Momma Doe dropped. Instantly. A textbook shot. She had been educated well.
Prize-winner
Afterward, we headed back to Mr. Calvin’s, dressed Momma Doe, bagged her up, and enjoyed a nice venison dinner–compliments of Mr. Calvin.
Renee's Rite of Passage Ceremony
Momma Doe's bladder
Fixins'
Dinner time
Mrs. White topped the meal off with some delicious brownies and very entertaining home videos. Even though Mrs. White resented it, her videos reminded us all of the “Wonder Years.”
The Wonder Years
I am officially licensed to hunt as of today, and I hope to go out in the next week or two and get my own deer. When I do, you’ll know…
Group Shot after a Hard Day's Work
