1.) Bob Peck - 11/12/2015

The rut is off the charts here in VA. In the pouring rain last Saturday I was able to stalk up on a breeding pair within 40 yards about 11 a.m.. Everyone asks why I didn't shoot one of the breeding pair?

Honestly? I have no good answer.

I guess I was mesmerized by the violence and speed of the act and the fact I was within bow range even though I was carrying a muzzleloader. I could have gotten closer but I didn't want to push it. I've seen breeding before but usually through binos and never that close.

An hour later on my way to a ladder stand I hadn't hunted yet I nearly get run over (15 yards) by a basket six that was jet blasting through the forest. Seemed like he literally came out of nowhere. Advantage man [B]and[/B] beast in the rain. They can't hear me and I can't hear them. That running freight train of a deer answered my quandary. Should I hang in there till sunset? Heck yeah! Glad I did. Even though the Gore-Tex was soaked on the outside, on the inside I was dry and warm. At that cliche' exactly the last shred of light I dropped a doe @ 120 yards.

The drag up and out of the deep ravine where the doe expired was brutal but the memory was sweet. A labor of love. When you explain this kind of day to people who don't hunt they look at you like you're crazy. [I]"You hunted all day in the pouring rain?!"[/I] It's the brotherhood on this site that understands exactly what I'm talking about. Oohrah!

2.) Swamp Fox - 11/12/2015

:tu:


I like going hunting in the rain far less than actually hunting in the rain, and I've largely avoided doing either for quite a while. Enough is enough after so many years, I suppose.

But when it's prime time and you can grab yourself by the belt and frog-march yourself out the door, it can be rewarding.


:beer:

3.) Wild Bob - 11/12/2015

:tu:

That's what it's all about, IMO. Labor of love...

Me and my youngest were up and out at 5:00 am this morning to check traps (that's pretty good for an 11 year old on a school morning IMO). We loved every minute of it and created some awesome memories to boot. People that don't do this kind of stuff just don't get it. Its a natural high.

4.) Bob Peck - 11/12/2015

[QUOTE=Wild Bob;36312]Me and my youngest were up and out at 5:00 am this morning to check traps (that's pretty good for an 11 year old on a school morning IMO). We loved every minute of it and created some awesome memories to boot.[/QUOTE] Ain't that the truth!

I heard an old timer once refer to this as a memory bank. You're making the deposits and someday your son will make the withdrawals. Hopefully your son will then make the deposits for his son or daughter to withdraw. Pay it forward brother!