Jon Yenulonis
Well-known member
You go hunting!
Here is a boring story about hunting something other than ducks…
I was planning on working as usual on Friday, but about ten minutes before quitting time, a discussion was initiated about my remaining vacation time. It starts to get tough to take un-previously scheduled vacation time this time of year. As can be expected, everyone wants off for the holidays. It’s one of those – “use it or lose it situations”. My boss asked for three solutions, I offered best case would be tomorrow as I didn’t have anything pressing scheduled and my direct supervisor concurred, second – a floating day as time permits, or worst case – I could schedule for an upcoming medical procedure due in January. Both agreed on letting me take the next day, (Friday), off.
So, since the Ducks seem to be scarce around these parts this year, (at least where I can hunt, more on that later making this “mildly Duck Related), AND with the forecasted nice weather, AND since our deer gun season is open this week, AND since I have family stuff scheduled all weekend, I decided to go Deer hunting. While I’ve never considered myself “a deer hunter” per se, I do enjoy a little time in the stand, and I REALLY like to eat them.
I arrived at the property a little later than normal, just before legal time, as I wanted to still hunt from where I park back to my stand a good half mile away. Unfortunately for this plan, there was already someone in the area I planned on starting from. I knew who was there, so I figured I’d head toward his general area anyways, thinking I may push something towards his area. Sure enough, about fifteen minutes in – BOOM! Sure enough. I worked my way over to the shot to find a nephew of my friend just coming down from his stand. Turned out, he shot a nice, healthy eight point buck. His first buck to boot. I assisted him in dragging it the hundred yards or so to the edge of the field where he could take over himself.
By this time, I was a little worked up physically, but continued on to my stand about a quarter mile away, resigned to the fact that since this deer had been taken, my chances were slim. Got in my stand, set up the seat, and got comfortable. This is where it becomes mildly Duck Related. There is a relatively new, rather large beaver marsh about a hundred yards from my stand, however, about 90% of it is on the neighbor’s property where I cannot obtain permission to hunt. I’ve tried and begged and pleaded and even went to school with one of the family members only to be told politely “NO” every time. Well, obviously, there was a bunch of Mallards on the marsh because they quacked and tormented me the whole time I was there. And then there were the Turkeys. Most of the next hour or so, found a big flock of turkeys milling about and feeding around my stand. While quiet from a distance, they are actually quite noisy up close. Throw in a couple Fox Squirrels, and I had plenty to keep me occupied. After about ninety minutes, I heard what I thought to be another squirrel to my far left. I glanced around to catch the flicker of a White Tailed Deer ear. Now were in business because I was out for meat! It continued walking quickly directly at me at about a hundred yards out. As he disappeared behind a tree here and there I readied my gun. At about fifty yards, he jumped the creek and turned broadside. That’s all I needed to see to squeeze the trigger. At the report, he dropped instantly. Fortunately, even though I held at the ready, a second shot was not needed. While I knew it was a buck, it was at this point that I could actually see a pretty good rack as it lay there on its side. Although nothing for the record books, it is the biggest rack I’ve ever taken and certainly worthy of adorning my wall at home.
Then, coincidently, my buddy Kevin just happened to be home this day. Now, Kevin is a “Deer Hunter”. (by my standards anyways), and he graciously offered his equipment and assistance in butchering the animal. So, after getting it loaded onto the ATV and eventually into the back of my pickup, I headed over to his place. In the past I have always cut up my own deer, but I have to say, it was a lot more enjoyable to have help. Especially since he has all of the proper equipment, know how, and a whole lot more experience.
I hope I didn’t bore anyone too awful much with these ramblings, but my fingers kept typing…
Jon
Here is a boring story about hunting something other than ducks…
I was planning on working as usual on Friday, but about ten minutes before quitting time, a discussion was initiated about my remaining vacation time. It starts to get tough to take un-previously scheduled vacation time this time of year. As can be expected, everyone wants off for the holidays. It’s one of those – “use it or lose it situations”. My boss asked for three solutions, I offered best case would be tomorrow as I didn’t have anything pressing scheduled and my direct supervisor concurred, second – a floating day as time permits, or worst case – I could schedule for an upcoming medical procedure due in January. Both agreed on letting me take the next day, (Friday), off.
So, since the Ducks seem to be scarce around these parts this year, (at least where I can hunt, more on that later making this “mildly Duck Related), AND with the forecasted nice weather, AND since our deer gun season is open this week, AND since I have family stuff scheduled all weekend, I decided to go Deer hunting. While I’ve never considered myself “a deer hunter” per se, I do enjoy a little time in the stand, and I REALLY like to eat them.
I arrived at the property a little later than normal, just before legal time, as I wanted to still hunt from where I park back to my stand a good half mile away. Unfortunately for this plan, there was already someone in the area I planned on starting from. I knew who was there, so I figured I’d head toward his general area anyways, thinking I may push something towards his area. Sure enough, about fifteen minutes in – BOOM! Sure enough. I worked my way over to the shot to find a nephew of my friend just coming down from his stand. Turned out, he shot a nice, healthy eight point buck. His first buck to boot. I assisted him in dragging it the hundred yards or so to the edge of the field where he could take over himself.
By this time, I was a little worked up physically, but continued on to my stand about a quarter mile away, resigned to the fact that since this deer had been taken, my chances were slim. Got in my stand, set up the seat, and got comfortable. This is where it becomes mildly Duck Related. There is a relatively new, rather large beaver marsh about a hundred yards from my stand, however, about 90% of it is on the neighbor’s property where I cannot obtain permission to hunt. I’ve tried and begged and pleaded and even went to school with one of the family members only to be told politely “NO” every time. Well, obviously, there was a bunch of Mallards on the marsh because they quacked and tormented me the whole time I was there. And then there were the Turkeys. Most of the next hour or so, found a big flock of turkeys milling about and feeding around my stand. While quiet from a distance, they are actually quite noisy up close. Throw in a couple Fox Squirrels, and I had plenty to keep me occupied. After about ninety minutes, I heard what I thought to be another squirrel to my far left. I glanced around to catch the flicker of a White Tailed Deer ear. Now were in business because I was out for meat! It continued walking quickly directly at me at about a hundred yards out. As he disappeared behind a tree here and there I readied my gun. At about fifty yards, he jumped the creek and turned broadside. That’s all I needed to see to squeeze the trigger. At the report, he dropped instantly. Fortunately, even though I held at the ready, a second shot was not needed. While I knew it was a buck, it was at this point that I could actually see a pretty good rack as it lay there on its side. Although nothing for the record books, it is the biggest rack I’ve ever taken and certainly worthy of adorning my wall at home.
Then, coincidently, my buddy Kevin just happened to be home this day. Now, Kevin is a “Deer Hunter”. (by my standards anyways), and he graciously offered his equipment and assistance in butchering the animal. So, after getting it loaded onto the ATV and eventually into the back of my pickup, I headed over to his place. In the past I have always cut up my own deer, but I have to say, it was a lot more enjoyable to have help. Especially since he has all of the proper equipment, know how, and a whole lot more experience.
I hope I didn’t bore anyone too awful much with these ramblings, but my fingers kept typing…
Jon
Last edited:
