Successful Hunter

For Scott, one of the best things about being back in Idaho is being able to hunt so close to home. He got his bow tag this year and would run out for an evening hunt after work or a quick morning hunt on his day off. 

 

Morgan and Zane each got a turn hunting with Dad as well. Zane came home bummed that they didn't get a deer. He confirmed my suspicion, "Dad is like a mountain goat. He climbs straight up the side of the mountain!" So, it's not just me who feels that way. Morgan came home with her eyes bugging out, "We didn't see a deer but we saw a moose! Right there! In front of us!" Scott said the moose were so close he had to make some noise to scare the gigantic animals away. Morgan was very impressed though and ready to go out again.

Since bow season didn't bring success, Scott was anxious for rifle season to start. He'd gone out a few times and hadn't seen much but decided to give his area one last try. He drove to his spot and parked. Leaving his lunch in the truck, he set out, thinking he would circle around and be back at his truck for lunch.

He went up and over the mountain and was starting to circle back around when, there he was... a nice looking buck. He dropped the buck with one shot. He decided he didn't want to drag it up the hill so he started to go down and around. By now, it was late in the afternoon, he had eaten his last granola bar and was just finishing his last drink of water. He wasn't sure he would make it to the road. 

He finally reached the road, tired and hungry, and found a place to hide his buck. He then hiked up the road to get his pickup. He drove down and found his hiding spot but still had to get the FAT buck loaded.

Meanwhile, we finished our dinner and read stories. Dad still wasn't home. I wasn't sure when I should start worrying. The kids were getting on their pajamas when I finally got a text. Dad was on his way with his prize. Yay!

Scott was worn out! He had left just after breakfast and had only taken a couple granola bars and his sandwich. But there was no time to rest or eat now. He managed to get the buck out of his truck, drug it into the shop, and skinned it. As he tried to hang the animal though, he found that he had very little strength left. He came in and asked me to help him.

The kids were told to stay in bed while I went out to help. Now it wasalmost 11:00 and this buck was heavy. Did I mention FAT?! Scott was yelling pull and I was yelling push... it was not the finest moment in our marriage but, we all survived. We managed to get it a few inches off the ground and Scott decided that was close enough. I told him he really needs to find a hunting buddy.

Scott went to bed exhausted but full of pride at his successful hunt.