Stories good before hunter gets chance

With my camera set and pitching out a little corn here and there, I eagerly awaited the opening of muzzeloader deer hunting.

A lot of things have changed, including my priorities. First, my wife purchased property with intentions of moving her business. Fortunately, little work was required for the existing rooms. Her clinic was only closed for the two days it took to move her equipment.

She was up and running long before the muzzleloader season was deemed under way. A few other projects remained, and bailed off into the next project as soon as possible. Again, I was astounded by the willingness of my friends to jump in and help.

The project was not completed on the opening morning of muzzleloader season, but that was OK with me. Despite Sandy’s suggestion that I take the day off and hunt, I was engulfed in our current project.

Besides, the modern-gun season was just a few weeks down the road and, the way I saw it, I could have the best of both worlds. We could experience the fruits of our labors in ample time for me to get my fill of deer hunting.

I’ve been enjoying my friends’ stories. On one account, success was experienced before the muzzleloading hunt. And although I’m sure he savored bagging a whitetail with his bow, he was most excited about the big buck that went unscathed.

And I’m anxious to hear the end of the story, with the deer unaware that it was in sight of my friend. I would guess it will unsuspectingly meander within range while the season is still under way.

Another friend watched a doe wander within range just following daylight on opening morning. But the wind began to

whirl shortly thereafter, and as luck would have it, practically every deer within hundreds of yards caught whiff of his scent.

As it turned out, they didn’t just turn and walk away but decided to blow and warn any and everything within hearing distance. And when another finally stepped into the opening, it didn’t tarry. It was out of sight long before my friend could shoulder his gun and peer down the barrel.

Another friend was victimized by the wind and did not get off a shot. But he watched two young bucks bicker back and forth, trying to impress a nearby doe.

Of course, I’m anxiously awaiting that magical time when I sit in the woods and watch the eastern sky lighten and change to a pallet of brilliant colors. But until then, I’ll be content sharing a dream with my wife and living vicariously through my friends.