First time out hunting in long time....

[koz]

I was out for the first time in long time yesterday. I took out my late fathers Hawken rifle. I have used this rifle many time on the range and its money out to 75 yards. PRB pushed by 80 grains of 3F.

Ok its was early morning sit. I have a doe tag burning a hole in my wallet. PA flintlock season just opened. Just at day break, when the world is full of dark shapes and gray images. I see a doe at 100 plus yards in open field. Then a see another then another,etc, it was a train of deer coming into the field. I am excited to say the least. I thought my tree stand would shake apart!

It took a painful 20 minuets for the largest doe to make her way over to my stand. I estimated her to be around 70 yards. I pulled the lock to full cock and settled into my shot routine.

I pulled the set trigger and took long breath...exhaled squeezed = nothing the lock failed to come down. I then reset thye lock and now feeling rushed I yanked the set triger and this time I felt the trigger"set". I took aim and fired the gun barked but the shot sailed over the does back.

I sat back into the stand and smiled. I looked up to heaven and said next time pop we will get em!

I reloaded and enjoyed the morning. Side note this gun makes a huge flash fired in early morning low light. Very cool.

Happy hunting Koz

 

[Skychief]

Keep at it Koz. Good on you for remembering your dad.

Best regards, Skychief

 

[RiverRat]

You just described the magic of hunting.

 

[Bassdog1]

Sounds like you had a wonderful hunt

 

[No Deer]

As you discovered hunting is not always about the kill. Good job getting out with dad's old rifle.

 

[Ames]

Good attitude about it. Your still grinning...

 

[Critter Getter]

That was very enjoyable to read. Thanks for sharing and may your next hunt have a doe in your lap. Greg

 

[Don Steele]

That's why we call it "Hunting"..!
One of my most memorable hunts was the day I watched a nice Whitetail graze by me without ever knowing I was there. At one point within 25-30 yds. Last day of the season. GORGEOUS Winter day in the South Georgia "Deer Woods". I had the rifle up several times but decided to let this one walk on by.
Sometimes it's more about the blessings we enjoy by just being in the woods with God's other creations that make it all worthwhile.

 

[ppg1949]

Hang in there koz. Some of my best days afield came with an empty game bag.

 

[Carbon 6]

You just described the magic of hunting.

Yep,

 

[Mad Irish Jack]

Your father was teaching you about hunting with a ML. He knew Murphy. He was the guy who wrote the law on it all. "When you think everything is going right, something WILL go wrong!" Welcome to the frustrating game of ML Hunting. Dad was still teaching lessons an' he knows you learned; 'cause you addressed the acknowledgement of it to him! Ya done good, pilgrim! You're hook well. Made your Pa PROUD. CONGRATULATIONS and Well Done. Hoooozzzah!