Over the years, a common question I get around this time of year is “how can you sit in a tree all day long and not see a deer?” Deer hunting is an American tradition and has been a lifelong passion for me. Since I was a kid, fall has always conjured up the many fond memories that I have experienced in the woods over the years. Like the bobcat sneaking along a ridgetop, putting the slip on a group of beagles hot on its tail. Or the time I sat in my stand above a small creek running through a swamp bottom. I watched an otter, directly below me, chase minnows and work on its den. I enjoyed watching the otter for several days and saw plenty of deer but I never got a shot, and that’s OK.
Of course, there are many great memories of harvesting of deer. However, I would not say that all successful hunts go at the top of the memory list. For me, my favorite memory was my first deer with a bow. As a hunter you know what a great feeling that first deer is. All the hard work and finally a plan comes together. It was a doe, and it was on my birthday many years ago. My second favorite memory was during a season that I was unsuccessful. I had been hunting a particular buck for a couple of years and during the third I enjoyed 6 different encounters with this giant buck. Thrashing trees, fighting other bucks, and chasing does. I cherish that season probably more than any other because of the opportunity to witness a great buck do its thing. The buck was even in bow range a couple of times, but I never could get a shot. Great memories.
Deer hunting has always been more than the harvesting of a deer. It’s the camaraderie and the challenge along with the experiences of just being in the woods. Deer hunting is a way to hang out with friends and family in deer camp. It’s a way to stay active and get outdoors. A way to enjoy nature. I love to cook and putting venison in the freezer that I worked so hard to get is a great feeling. To share some venison with friends, either as a gift for their freezer or better yet, dinner at your place. These get-togethers are a great time to get a new hunter interested in deer hunting with stories of the hunt and a taste of your favorite venison recipe.
I hope that everyone has another great Kentucky hunting season this year. Out there in a treestand or sitting on that favorite log by the creek calling ducks, try and think about the great memories filed away. Try a new recipe with that deer tenderloin and have a few friends over. Share in your harvest and add a few new memories to the list. Remember to hunt for the hunt and not just the harvest.
“Immerse yourself in the outdoor experience. It will cleanse your soul and make you a better person.” – Fred Bear
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