Yesterday, as I sat in my new climber that I got for Christmas, watching the winter take its toll and lightly blanket the woods with snow, I began to think back on this year's hunts. Although I went deerless for my 3rd year in a row, waiting for the right time and the right deer, I learned alot, saw alot, and just enjoyed the wonderful gifts that the good Lord has given to me and to all of us that partake in the great outdoors.
I thought of the spike buck that was 20 yards from my stand on the first day of bow season, munching on acorns. I thought of helping my best friend find his beautiful 8 pointer that same day, after a 2 hour tracking job, crawling on our hands and knees, looking for the smallest clue as to where that buck could be, and the gleam in his eye when we finally did find him. I thought of the squirrel I named Lucky, that I watched fall 20 feet from a tree, shake it off, and go right back up, although a little groggy. I thought of the morning I cussed myself when I spooked a doe that was bedded 10 yards from my stand going in one early November morning. And I thought of how much I love watching the woods come to life on crisp fall mornings.
But, most of all, I thought about all of you on this fine board...my other family. Although I've never met any of you face to face, I feel that I know a good number of you through your posts. Since I started checking out this board in October, I've enjoyed each and every one of the posts here. I've waited anxiously for replys to questions I've posted, and to those posted by others.
I truly am thankful for each and every one of you. My 2001 season is over, but with a little more time and effort, and the tips from you guys and gals, I hopefully won't go 4 years deerless.
Thank you all again. I'll be ready and waiting for the next season, and the next posts!

Edited by - flyfisher18 on 01/04/2002 14:37:47