My Turn

Well in a couple of weeks my son and I will be out there chasing the mighty mule deer. We were successfully drawn for the event. I got my favorite draw at 3A area and Brian got his second choice for 4A. It will be fun although it would have been better to get to go out the first day in the same location. Anyway I planning on getting mine first day and then going with Brian if he doesn't score right off.
Hunting if a privilege and right we have in this country. I was raised on it in Arizona and then in Colorado and on to Oregon. My father instilled in me the hunting zeal. It brings with it responsibility and in many instances humility. It isn't easy to get out of bed way before light, its is often cold (biting cold) and yet the enthusiasm and hope for a successful day will keep one going. To see the sun coming up and the anticipation of its warmth and being able to see where you are going gets the blood working and the brain anticipating.
I've spent lots of mornings doing just that. Many fond memories of particular hunts.
You haven't really lived until you have woke up early and jumped into your warm clothes. Gathered your gear, make a few sandwiches which you know will be mashed flat before you get to eat them and headed out to the hunt. Then along about 10 am when things have settled down and you haven't had any great excitement yet, you walk out in a little clearing where the october or november sun is bearing down and it feels so good on your body and you lay down and just soak it up and look up into the sky, maybe the clouds are going by and before you know it you are enjoying a relaxing and much needed rest and nap. You may wake up in a little sweat as you warm up in those extra clothes you put on that morning. But wake up invigorated and ready to go over the next ridge where you know you will have success. Then as you walk along you not only look for that elusive animal but you notice the terrain, the shrubs and trees and vegetation and how the trail lays and many wonderful things that make up hunting, hiking and just being out in nature. It is all very humbling. And wondeful!
God has blessed man to be a part of this wonderful world and to consume at times a portion of its bounty, with respect and honor for it all. It is a great responsibility and opportunity.
marshall