Larry A. Smail's Blog

I went out into the woods to spend some time hunting with Bob. I, however, was hunting with a camera. Bob was hoping to see a buck.

  The frost was a hard frost as we ascended a gas line to hunt the area where I bagged the buck on the first day. If one would step on exposed soil the loud crack of frost permeated ground could be heard for quite a distance. the walk needed to stay on the grassy and leaf-covered ares of the gas line.

The day was turning into a beautiful calm and sunny day as the hunt began. I situated Bob and a likely spot. Here he could see around and watch birds and squirrels  as these critters filled the time. I began walking about in hopes of moving some deer around. On one of these jaunts, memories were flooding back on past days afield. I was remembering a situation whereas the landowners grandson had harvested a buck at this site. I turned to look right and the orange colors shouted from a tree! There was Jon! We spent about 15 minutes talking and teasing before we went our separate ways.

White Pine Cone

I had seen a couple of deer and Bob saw about five. One was a half-rack buck. I am sure this was one of those I had been seeing off and on all fall. I always enjoy time in the woods.

   We quit hunting prior to noon enjoying some sloppy-joe sandwiches my mother had made.

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A tradition of mine in regards to deer hunting is to return all left over parts back to nature. Another tradition is to hang a rib cage in a tree at my residence. Although, many might think this as being weird or disgusting I find a sense of satisfaction in doing so. Many small birds as the winter strengthens in cold and snow find calorie-producing food from this act. Crows enjoy feasting. An added treat for me are the constant red-tailed hawks that enjoy the easily obtainable food source. An added bonus is that some rabbit or bird will enjoy more time as a living creature rather than a food supply.