Now we all know that around here, Crappie is king. At least for us. Some of have other diversions that have occupied a place in our hearts and mind in past years. One of mine is chasing Deer. Active word being chasing. I have spent much more in the prep and chase than in the processing after the fact. I also have to say that I have had some experiences in the woods, alone, that when you think them over you find yourself holding your breathe and smiling. Such are the days in the woods as the sun gives its first hint of color and you've been sitting there for over an hour already. Wildlife begins to stretch and yawn and move around, the Squirrels are heard scratching their way up and down and around the trees, and the birds begin to warm up their voices for the song of the day.
As we age some things begin to get in the way of things we love to do, and these days were in the past for me for several reasons. Mostly it was ethics. Joints complaining more and more made me wonder if I got a shot at a good one and he took a sprint, could I get him back and give him the respect he deserved. Last Christmas I gave my Daughter my Winchester as She has started hunting with her Husband and I wanted her to have one of her own. I thought that had my Deer Days in the rear view. Little did I know.
Come the end of November I turn 60. At this point, just another day, maybe I would fish some. It seems that my Wife, Daughter and SIL had other ideas. Mikes family gather and go out of state a few times each season to hunt. Property in Arkansas is one stop that the kids sometimes come to camp with the folks. The other big gathering is with an outfitter in Texas. This years party will be 6 I believe, and I will be one of them. The Love of my Life took care of my airfare and Mike and Megan have covered the outfitter. All I have to do is pack and travel. I was told about this almost a month ago and I'm just now coming to terms with it. There's no way I would have ever done this for myself. A trip like this is an outdoorsman's dream come true. I have the best family any Man could ever ask for. All the blinds are ground level so I don't have to worry about ladders and the problems that go with them. So if I seem a little distracted in the coming weeks, please forgive me. I now remember what a kid at Christmas feels like.
And with any luck, I'll get to holler a resounding "BROWN DOWN"!!!
I'll keep you all posted, wish me luck........Skeet
