“JD is so excited,” said his grandfather on the eve of opening day. “And, I’m even more excited,” he exclaimed, “We’ll meet you at your camp’s clubhouse at 5:30, ready to go.” That was the plan, but despite the practice, dressing and getting all the gear, including snacks and drinks, arising at 4 am is a challenge for a 10-year-old boy.
To The Stand
Deer parallel a stream just below the clubhouse, and posted along a trail is a two-man ladder stand that is ideal for two people, especially an adult and a youngster. Only two ladder sections were deployed, resulting in a height of approximately 12 feet. I drove the duo to the edge of a field and walked them within sight of the stand, waiting until they were settled in. It was humorous to see JD climb the ladder like a squirrel while Grandad wrestled with a pack containing all the treats for the morning. I snapped the above picture through a window in the foliage as they settled in. JD had been practicing on a 3-D target with a Barnett Wildcat CRX and had shown the ability to put an arrow precisely in the kill zone.
Ready and Waiting
Grandad, not immune to the excitement, left his cell phone in his vehicle, which meant I had to wait to hear of progress. I returned to the cabin like an expectant father, hoping for a “delivery.” I planned to pick them up at 9:00, thinking that two hours in a stand would be about the longest a youngster could wait out; however, at 8:30, the duo showed up at the cabin, choosing to walk back. Sitting still and quiet had reached its limits.
High Adventure
JD and Grandad heard sticks cracking behind their stand, but didn’t see any deer from the stand. I needed to replace a battery on a mountain-top camera and asked JD if he was up for a little mountain climbing in my UTV. A big smile answered that question, and we bumped and bounced along logging roads for the two miles to the top of the hill. JD rode shotgun in the side-by-side, while Grandad wrangled a bench seat in the back like a bucking bronco. Nearly there, deer suddenly jumped up all around us, standing and staring at this noisy intruder. “Step out and shoot,” whispered Grandad, but JD’s rubber boot strap had snared the seat flange, and he couldn’t leave the rig. He pulled, and I pried, but it would not let go. Eventually, it broke free, but by that time, the deer were 50 yards away and fleeing.
Hot Mock Scrape
When I replaced the camera battery more than a month ago, I made a mock scrape and was delighted to see that it had been “freshened” recently with no leaves on the open dirt. I used a large stick and dug deeper in the ground, and then the three of us “natuized” the spot. What 10-year-old ever dreamed of such a prank? Supposedly, human urine works the same as that of deer, and the camera will tell the tale.
Box Blind on Another Mountain
Back in the UTV, we descended one mountain and climbed another, checking out an enclosed blind that seemed to be in JD’s future. Since Sunday hunting is legal in our county, we made plans to spend the following Sunday evening in that location. The blind hadn’t been opened in nine months, so we had to eliminate two wasp nests and get a feel for the best shooting spots. JD nodded his approval as we developed a plan, and, no doubt, a blind that helps contain scent, sound, and movement was the perfect fit for the young lad.
What a Hunt!
The Bowhunting.net website prides itself on sending you the latest tips and tactics to boost your success. However, this time I hope our words helped you recall one of your first hunts and the excitement it created, leading to a lifelong love affair with the outdoors. In today’s high-tech world, it’s easy to lose sight of the enjoyment a youngster can garner from climbing a ladder, practicing aiming at a squirrel, or just watching nature like an owl on a perch. Their glimpse into the future is a walk down memory lane for adults. I’m not sure who enjoys it most.