Seems like forever since I posted on here during hunting season. It's probably got something to do with the fact that I've been been a unapologetically 'meat hunter' for so long that I'm used to just ignoring other people in the hope that they will ignore me. In an average year I kill 5 or so deer on our 500 active ag acres, which with my sons contributions of another 4 to 7 go a long way towards feeding our clan. In general we target does, leaving the young bucks be, but often enough somebody gets a 3 year old + buck that is fairly impressive.
What I have noticed about my attitude as I age is that I truly love the season and yet I just don't crave getting a 'good' one anymore. Don't get me wrong, I arrowed a doe yesterday and felt great about getting it but I get more excited for the boys than I do myself. For me fall is the cyclical end of the growing season, a darkening of my spirit, a time of things closing in. As I get older the aging hunter in me sees not just the lives I have taken to sustain my family but the inevitable end of my life. For now though the aging hunter has conquered bad knees and less keen eyes, drawn an arrow and slain his prey and I feel a certain sense of well being. I hope you all have a great season. -Andy