Hunting is about being in the right place at the right time. Some call this LUCK! All hunters wonder if a monster buck or bull walked by their stand as they were napping. Maybe we quit a bit too soon or got to our hunting spot a bit too late. Timing is critical for success.
Many hunters became successful after they learned to spend all day afield. At some point, something will show up. When I learned to sit in a tree stand all day, my Luck changed. In Maryland, access is more limited, so a hunter must Scout thoroughly and put all of eggs in one basket. If he has read the sign correctly, there’s a good chance that they will get better Luck.
Hunters must also overcome other odds to improve their Luck. Things don’t always happen when you want them to. The moment of truth will happen when it does and sometimes at the most inopportune time.
My dad was a Warden in Pennsylvania. When the best opening days happened, he was working to make sure other hunters were safe and legal. After a week or so, he would finally get a day off to fill his tag. His advice to me was to always have your gun or bow at hand. Never let down your guard.
On his first chance to deer hunt, my dad went to a favorite spot. He waited for a chance to tagout. He carried a Model 71, 348 Winchester. No scope, just iron sights. This meant that any shot would need to be closer.
He saw a bunch of does but no antlers. It was now that Mother Nature’s Timing kicked in. A few cups of coffee primed the pump, and it was time to sit down and answer the call. He found a nice tree to use and was in the mid process of a dump, when low and behold, a big buck shows up. His rifle was leaning against the tree. But in reach.
He slowly grabbed the rifle and took the shot. The buck dropped, so my dad decided to finish his sit down. Suddenly the buck stood up. My Dad still had his rifle in hand and shot again. The buck was down for the count this time. To add injury to the moment, the buck only had one huge 5-point side on his antlers. The side had been broken off.
As he was finishing his sit down, he went to lift the straps of his overalls. They were heavier than normal. He looked and saw that during the excitement, he had pooped on both overall straps! To avoid the mess, he took out his knife and cut off both straps! Oh well! He next used a length of rope to serve as belt for his now strapless overalls.
Now I understand why you always keep your rifle handy. It is also important to know where you are when in mid-toilet. Bad timing may result in an outcome you didn’t plan.
Crap Happens!
Montana Grant
