I am not much of a storyteller, but please indulge me.
A little background. I am very fortunate to have some family land that is situated between Flora and Canton. We don't have much ground and most of it is in cattle pasture, but it is a place that I can come and go as I please. Although the land has been in the family for close to a hundred years we have never really deer hunted it until the last 12 years or so, and in that 12 years Dad has only killed one buck. Also, my dad is a "comfort hunter". He built a "comfortable shooting house" a few years ago. Its 10X12 with front porch. He has killed a few does out of it but no bucks. He has seen some smaller bucks but nothing he wanted to shoot. Lastly, my Mom passed away on November 19th of last year and my parents anniversary is on December 27th.
Fast forward to yesterday the 27th. Dad was not in the best of moods, which is understandable. Although its been over a year, my dad is still hurting over Momma. She literally took care of him. The day after she died, Dad got excited because he learned to make coffee. He and I separated and went our own way. He decided to go to his shooting house. I decided to hunt close to him in case he shot that way I could be close by if he needed some help. I felt he would shoot because his parting words were, "Somethings gonna die tonight, I want some meat to get some boudin made."
About 4:30 he shoots. I figure a doe has gone to meet her maker. I give him 15 minutes or so and give him a call. Much to my surprise I am greeting by the words of, "I got a good buck." Needless to say, I was ecstatic. I didn't care if it was state legal or a 200 inch deer. I proceed to tell him I was coming to see and he talks me into staying put.
At 5:30 I walk over and I am greeted by a changed man, and man that is as happy as I have seen in months. It was as if his success that afternoon was an indication that life was good and better times were ahead. The buck was not a monster by any stretch of the imagination, but a trophy that I will treasure for as long as I walk the earth. My Dad was thrilled and was more excited than he was. The numbers are not overwhelming: Live weight 210 pounds, 8 points, 18 inch spread, 5-7 inch tines, and decent mass. However, this is one trophy that is not measured by numbers.
Ya'll have a great night and tell the people that you are close to you that you love them.
Thanks,
Pond
