First Kill
By the time the next year came around, I was ready to redeem myself after last years folly. I had absolutely no luck on Saturday. I did not see one deer. But I didn't give up hope. Since I still hadn't gotten a deer, I still got first choice of stand. I decided to go to the condo because my cousin had good luck there on Saturday evening. The condo is our tallest stand at about 40 feet tall and gets its name from the fact that it has a roof and used to have a heater. It sits in the corner of a big field with woods on two sides. This stand required the most walking out of all of them. The tree line weaved back and forth along the field. We had to stick to the edge of the woods because they help mask our scent. Deer have a very keen sense of smell. The stars were breathtaking that morning. The sky was completely clear and the stars were almost bright enough to illuminate our path. This was the first time that I saw Orion's Belt and to this day I always notice it. We got to the stand and I realized how long of a climb it was to the top. I am not afraid of heights, but it was a bit scary climbing a metal ladder with a gun over my shoulder. Then the waiting began. This year I was ready. I stayed vigilant, scanning the field and trees, and stayed still so as to not make noise. After a few hours, I saw it. A buck came walking out of the trees and into the field. It stopped and began eating some of the remnants of corn in the harvested field. The deer was 35 yards out, not moving, broadside to us: just about the easiest shot I could have. I lifted up my rifle and took aim. When I was ready to shoot, I switched off the safety and the deer looked up in response to the click. But, it was too late for him. I shot and he dropped right there. The bang was much louder than I expected it would be without ear protection. It was only after I lowered my gun that I realized my body was pumped full of adrenaline. I was absolutely elated. I had shot my first deer.
