Top_Heavy's World

The diesel was growling as we all piled in, the warm interior a welcome comfort on a 20 degree afternoon. The full sized crew cab made access easy and the spacious cab provided for easy viewing in all directions. I drove the road to hunting camp, pointing out locations I had seen big deer in the past. We headed N on a 2 track road, cleared by the sun it was quieter than the roads in the shaded areas. We were coming past a wheat field and rounded a small block of timber, the view into the cornfield was fantastic. A herd of deer was spread on a knoll, probably warmed most by the afternoon sun. Several does and one particularly nice framed buck never even looked at us as we slowed for a better look. The big 10 pnt had no cares, I had seen him in this field before and he just had a manner of royalty about him. I drove on and in about 10 minutes we got to our spot. We all entered the blind and took our lookouts. I sat in the middle, just watching my partners as they pointed out squirrels, birds and other particulars of interest. We were overlooking a field of clover, alfalfa, Outfitter's blend, wheat and winter peas. There were several acres of bean stubble and about 100 yards away the heavy timber started. There were several mature oak trees and 10 small apple trees with cages around them. The view from our blind was breath taking as the sun started to set. It was a little tough keeping everyone quiet, these 3 don't get a chance to hunt together much. We did our best. After almost an hour the sun had dropped behind the trees and our shooting hours had passed. The sad faces all turned to me as I declared it was over for the day, but with a reassuring "that's why they call it hunting, we can't always see deer here" we ended the day. After a great hunt I made a big grittle of bacon and a hearty batch of dinosaur oatmeal... I guess when you are 6, 4, and 2 that is a perfect meal with dad. Oh, did I mention the trip to the hunting camp was just a normal drive home from daycare? The deer were real, the buck is a monster, pushing mid 160's. The blind I referred to is our garage, and the windows do overlook the food plot described. I never loaded my blackpowder rifle, even though I have 3 open tags, it was just an awesome hunt with my children. We have harvested several nice bucks and a pile of does out the window over the years, but not tonight. I got more out of tonights experience than I have many while alone in remote parts of the world. Perhaps perspective is the best part of life.