Down goes the King

Well I just wrapped up one cool
freakin’ week in the
outdoors. Not only did we get some much-needed rain, we also saw the first snowflakes of the winter season.

My relationship with King did not last very long at all. In fact, sighting a big deer like this four times in 3 weeks? Well, that just doesn’t happen a lot, period.

But it feels like forever. It feels like I saw him every day. Even when I didn’t see him, his was every noise I heard when I was in the woods. Every time I turned to check out a strange noise, I expected to see him looking up at me.

He really got into my head and made every minute of hunting this November truly exhilarating. I was on edge constantly, and it didn’t matter if it was noon or dawn or dusk. I always felt like he was close by, and I was going to see him at any minute.

Now this old boy will grace my buddy’s wall for the rest of our years here on earth. I won’t forget the encounters or the moments after we found him piled up in the grass.

I always wondered how I would feel if a buddy shot a giant deer. I mean, would I be jealous? Would I wish I hadn’t taken anyone with me? I can honestly say that the moment was just incredible. There was no feeling other than complete hysteria. Maybe it was the guide in me that enjoys watching others succeed, I’m not sure. But I know I would do it again.

I got to see one of the biggest deer I have ever laid eyes on fall to one of my closest friends.

Let me lay this out there before I go any further. I have been very, very fortunate throughout my life to always have very good places to hunt. My father, being a diehard hunter, has always owned some top-notch deer ground.

One thing I have enjoyed doing from time to time is taking friends along on hunts. I always felt good about bringing friends along who weren’t as lucky as me when it came to hunting land. Over the years, friends of mine have taken quite a few deer with shotgun and bow.