Step Back into History

Fall season success...
Our forefathers spent countless hours hunting the wild turkey and at some point in our history it became a tradition to have turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.   Most households go to the supermarket and buy their turkey for the feast.  We usually do this too, but yesterday I took this wild bird; so this year we will be stepping back into history, so to speak, and we will be roasting a wild turkey for Thanksgiving.  I have enjoyed wild turkey many times before, and I am really looking forward to it.   

 

How Do They Know

As dawn approached I was driving to an area where I planned to hunt elk.  On my way, this herd (I counted 60), crossed the road in front of me and started grazing in a large meadow right next to my truck.  It is a private ranch adjacent to National Forest property, and they somehow knew it was the place to hang out.  Frustrating?  Maybe a little, but it was much too beautiful to be that way.  I listened to them and watched them for awhile and then drove on.  I hunted all day and did not see another elk.

Refreshing Find

The only thing better than finding a nice ripe pear hanging on a pear tree...is eating one of them.  (I did get permission from the tree owner of course)

All Dried Out

Take some dried plants; add a blast of late afternoon sunshine and maybe something interesting will appear.

While We Sleep

It was 1:30 in the morning when he stepped in front of the camera, it was quiet, dark, and we were all probably asleep.  He was out hunting for his next meal and he almost certainly had been at it all night.  He has no options, it's a daily task that he must complete or he will not survive, and I get aggravated when I have to drive to the super market to pick up a gallon of milk.

Be Open Minded

When a new idea comes up, something never tried before, it may be wise to get on board and give it a try.  Many times it's those proposals that seem crazy that turn out to be fantastic.  It’s prudent to be cautions, but don't be the fly in the ointment.

Timing of the Hunt

Dark forms moved ahead of me through the Aspens, silent, keeping low, and traveling fast…there were five of them.  From their movement it could only be one thing…wild turkeys.  In seconds they vanished like early morning shadows gone until another day.  With the passing of another moon I would have followed them, but timing is everything and this day it was wrong, so I moved on.   As I eased further through the dark timber on a bed of pine needles hushed by last evening’s rain, more movement caught my eye.  The familiar bouncing gait of a mule deer gave away his hiding place and his identity.  His antlers, dressed in velvet, were enviable, but again…the timing was wrong.  Elk and small game were the only licenses I held, so I would have to keep searching.  Another hundred yards, then two, then twenty…and suddenly the thunderous frantic rush of rising grouse startled all that could hear.  As frightening as it always is…it is also a very welcome sound.  One lit in the top of a nearby spruce and lingered just a moment too long.  My aim was right and my arrow’s flight was true.  His timing...was wrong.  I will enjoy him in the pot tonight. 
My search for elk…continues.