OUTDOOR Tales and Trails

BY DAVE BECK

I’ve always wanted to write a column while I am actually out deer hunting, but for one reason or another it never seemed to work out, that is until right now. When Big River Rich offered me his blind, I knew I could pull it off especially because the stand is raised and enclosed. So, this is actually going to work out well because I’m up against a deadline. It was either stay home and hammer out an article and miss a night of hunting, ORRRRRR, take my computer with and bag two birds with one stone, and maybe a deer. Without any further ado, welcome to OTT, live and on site in the Big River Valley, in Big River Rich’s deer stand.

It’s the first Wednesday of the muzzleloader season and I have a buck and a doe tag in my pocket. Up to this point in the muzzy season, I have seen five does and that was while driving down into the Big River valley. I have not seen a deer while actually hunting but hopefully that changes today, but no pressure on you.

A quick tour of the blind includes the veranda (the landing at the top of the stairs) off to our immediate left. Shooting windows adorn each wall with corner windows strategically placed to cover all angles. The entire blind is neatly furnished with two Fleet Farm hunting chairs with foam pads providing both butt warmth and comfort. If the weather really turns south, a Mr. Heater is available and almost looks like a fireplace if you squint when you look at it. Welcome, make yourself at home, and think big buck thoughts.

We are about 40 minutes into the hunt and not much going on aside from some squirrels coming and going, gathering and feuding. You know, doing squirrel things. I also need to ask Big River Rich about the small scrub oak tree that still has leaves. I wonder if when he looks at it, he sees a big buck standing there. I do. Not sure if that’s the power of suggestion or positive thinking. Either way, it looks like a big buck.

Still no sign of deer but actually turning out to be a pretty fair afternoon weather wise. When I was out here this morning the temperature was four degrees. When I left the truck earlier, it was a whopping 32 degrees. I’m now wondering whether it’s too warm and the deer will hold tight and move after dark.

Deep and random thoughts while writing an article from a deer stand: Since I get paid for writing this, does today now make me a professional hunter?

There is a pesky little mean red squirrel that bullies the gray squirrels. Why don’t they gang up and teach it a lesson once and for all?

Would I scare anything away if I left the stand to cut down that little scrub oak that has decoyed me at least 28 times into thinking that it is actually a big buck?

Last random thought: Shouldn’t the legal shooting hours vary in accordance with the cloud cover? I mean, on a clear afternoon hunt like this, shouldn’t legal hours stay open a few minutes longer? Yeah, you’re right, I just want to stay longer but it appears that tonight is not going to be the night I bag a deer but it sure was a unique hunt having you all with me.

It’s getting late and our big buck quest is coming to a close. In addition to that, I have to get home and send this off to The Journal before the deadline. In a semi-related matter, note to self: talk to Big River Rich about the lack of WiFi in deer stand.

Didn’t get enough Dave this week? Visit “Outdoor Trails and Tales with Dave Beck” on Facebook for photos and video of Dave’s adventures. You can share your own photos and video with him there as well, or by emailing him at [email protected] Also, check out OTT content on Instagram @ thepiercecountyjournal