My First Bowhunt

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks”- John Muir

A midday rain had enhanced the colors of the maple leaves and the current overcast sky  provides a neutral backdrop for the reds and yellows to show off their Fall presence. 

It was the earliest I had ever been in a tree during hunting season and I was immediately rewarded with new views and much warmer temperatures. 

Unlike myself, the shagbark hickory I was perched in was not new to this game. It’s bark had been rubbed smooth from years of climbing tree stands ascending into its canopy. How many stories was this tree a part of I do not know, but I was thankful to be part of the newest chapter. This was a popular spot and for good reason as the deer frequented the area during years of good fruit production from the soft mast trees. 

A bow limb replaced a gun sling  for the first time. Using a bow meant shorter ranges and more attention to detail. A couple yards measures as big changes in arrow flight. I had stepped off different distances and marked them with dead oak branches stuck vertically in the soil. “18 yards to the foremost branch of the apple tree and 26 yards to the golden rods on the other side” I repeated to myself as if I was looking for reassurance. A light breeze touched my face, the first time wind direction took importance over line of sight. 

My senses became overtaken by the crisp crunch of a deer’s molars processing an early October Fuji apple and the alluring aroma that filled the air. I sat in awe. My attention was so consumed I couldn’t begin to find my bow, let alone pick it up and nock an arrow. Having deer within 10 yards of me was new and exciting. I became immersed in the moment much like an athlete in a big game. The next two hours went by without me drawing my bow, but not for lack of opportunity. On this night I was not a predator, but solely a bystander.

The setting sun complimented the leaves nicely matching their colorations before allowing darkness to overtake the landscape. The time came for me to climb down. The hike back to the house seemed short, most likely because my mind was still in that tree 20 feet above the earth.

The evening had made a strong first impression on my soul, and I immediately knew that this new venture would become a big part of my being.