Rubbing the sleep out of my eyes just in time to have the cold pre-dawn air hit me in the face.

Walking in in the dark.

Listening to the quiet before the sun comes up... maybe broken by a deer snorting or an owl catching a mouse, maybe not.

Feeling the first ray of the sun hit the back of my neck, just when I was sure I was going to freeze to death waiting for dawn.

Having an entire morning with no deer around, just so I can situate my thoughts.

Having an entire morning swarmed under with deer.

Seeing that buck just as shooting light begins.

Seeing that buck just before I was about to get down out of my stand.

Watching the birds, the squirrels, the armadillos, the raccoons, the turkeys....

Still-hunting, never knowing what the next tree is going to bring you.

Watching the world slowly go to sleep as daylight fades.

Walking out in the dark.

Sitting around with the guys.

Getting a handshake for a good day hunting.

Chowing down on the stew, the chili, the backstrap...

Falling asleep at 8:30 in a sleeping bag.


Sigh

Oh, and Taxman - I' d avoid using the term ' treehugger' for what you mean. Technically, I' m a treehugger - I' d love for us to keep virgin forests standing and preserve the wilderness. I believe the term you' re looking for is ' psycho PETA nazi,' or something along those lines.