Sitting at the Puter pounding the keyboard while watching the game on TV, I pondered "Is this all there is?" I flipped the channel and found the Sportsman and Outdoor Channels. WOW!!! I did that, and enjoyed it. As I took an interest I noted that there's a Spring Turkey Hunt, Fall Turkey Hunt, Bow Deer Season, Gun Deer Season, and Muzzle-Loader Deer Season. WOW!!! October 1st to December 31st. Then you can add Pheasant, Ducks, and Geese...In addition the rest of the time can be filled in with Fishing. "O My God" I found the mother-lode...And that's just Michigan, there's 49 other States.
Now I see a problem in this renewed passion. I am Retired, Old, Slightly over-weight, Out of Shape, and Breathing has become a chore. Then there is the clothing and gear you need to hunt. No one Wears the Wool Red Plaid Pants, Shirt and Jacket that I have hanging down stairs somewhere. Now it's Hunter Orange or Camo's. As for the rest, it’s outgrown or deteriorated. The Compound-Bow is still hanging around, but it 30 years old. The Weapons of mass destruction were sold or given away.
"Woe is me....I need Direction, a plan of action or I will continue to be a computer hacking, TV Watching Couch Potato...
My son Dallas, an avid Fly Fisherman, saw my interest in the outdoor programming, and as we watched them he Thanked me for taking him to the Hunter Safety Program, Bow Hunting and then Rifle Deer Hunting. I asked him how his 1st Spring Turkey Hunt went last year. He said he enjoyed it and they called in a Tom but not close enough. Then the Magic Words "Do you want to go." I told him to let me know the area he and his buddy put in for and I'd do the same. He said his buddy couldn't go and we could put in for the buddy system. Now this is just for the draw, so everything is still up in the air. But it's a Start, now the month long wait.
We're in! We got drawn for Turkey licenses. In the mean time I shopped for sales and clearances on Camo Clothing and Gear and I'm proud of the fact that I didn't pay full price for anything I bought, and I'm good for summer to 20 below. Even my licenses were senior citizen discounts and I got a sportsman's Package which even saved me more. First Time OLD is good.
My chance to see what kind of purchases I made would come soon on the 1st Scouting Trip. Snow on the ground, 45 degrees, and the wind blowing pretty good. I was warm and comfy. COOL.
Saw signs but no birds in a different area then we wanted to hunt. But my worst fears were surfacing; I was out of shape and gasping for air. The 2nd Scouting Trip proved more fruitful, after finding out we didn't need permission to hunt the area we wanted. So after hiking in over a half mile we began calling and looking for sign, we got no response to our calling but saw a lot of deer and Turkey signs. On our walk back to the truck we decided to take a walk in the opposite direction, so after a short rest, I was just huffing and puffing not gasping. Less then a half a mile in we spotted about 15 Turkeys, Toms, Jakes and Hens. We found the area that we would hunt.
There was one more thing to do, and on the way home from the scouting trip, I had to make a decision on what kind of gun I wanted. Four months of researching and going back and forth on the choices I had were mind boggling. Let's see, the choices, Shotgun, Compound Bow, Crossbow, or Muzzle-loader with interchangeable barrels. The last option would allow me to hunt many different seasons, Muzzle-loader, shotgun, center-fire, and rim-fire. My choice was a shotgun, and a 20 gauge at that. The reasoning was that not only an Old Man like me could handle it, but a newcomer be it Wife, Female, Child, or friend would find it easier to handle. For me this purchase would be "hopefully" a one-shot proposition. The Fall Turkey Hunt co insides with Bow Deer Season. But that's another Chapter.
THE HUNT........We selected the 2nd week of the two-week Turkey Season because of Dallas's work and Fishing schedule. He works Sunday nite so we will hunt Monday, come back home so he can work Tuesday, and then Hunt Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Then come back home so he could work the week-end. We would take his River boat with us Wednesday in case we are lucky enough to fill are Tags.
MONDAY........ We left home Mid-nite Sunday for the three hour trip to Mike's Lodge, took a Two hour nap, and then dressed for the 1st day of hunting. Full of anticipation we drove out to the site we selected arriving just before dawn. With the temperature at 29 degrees it was a brisk morning and as the sun started rising we heard the Turkeys answer our calls. COOL! Plan A is working, a chance to get 2 Toms before breakfast. About this time my foot started cramping, and after trying to find a comfortable position, scurrying around, at the char-grin of Dallas, I crawled behind some trees so the turkeys wouldn't see me fidgeting. After 2 hours of calling and they never got closer then 80 yards then left for heavy cover. By this time my foot was fine, but my back was hurting from standing still for 2 hours. Dallas suggested we go have breakfast, nap for a couple of hours, then come back for the afternoon hunt. I balked at first, thinking I would have to walk out to the car, then walk back in later, but I agreed. While walking out I thought of the little red train, I think I can, I think I can, and with a little huffing and puffing I did. After eating and a nap I was refreshed and raring to go. We walked back in to where we were in the morning, only this time Dallas saw a tree cut down in sittable pieces about 20 yards away and rolled a piece over so I could sit, making it easier on my foot cramp. WOW! what a kid...He put the decoys about 30 yards away from me, and said he would sit about 30 yards on the other side of the decoys, and this would put him closer to where the birds were in the morning. The afternoon was quiet and boring, and we chatted on the walkie-talkies he brought so as to keep in touch with me if I became ill. Then at 5 PM I saw a Black Bear moving briskly toward where Dallas was sitting, I got on the walkie-talkie and said "Dallas black Bear." He answered immediately "I SEE IT." I sat and waited for a gun shot or for him to come bailing out. Nothing so I got up and got to the trail to watch his and my back side. What A Sight. After a while Dallas immerged from his blind and onto the trail. We met half way and I said "Happy Anniversary" You Survived for another year. As we walked back we didn't unload our guns till we got to the truck. We sent messages to our Wives just think "Bear Breasts." We left empty handed but had memories of seeing Turkeys and a bear on the first day
WEDNESDAY......We left home Mid-nite Tuesday Towing Dallas's boat for the 3 hour trip to Mike's Lodge, took our 2 hour nap, then readied ourselves for day 2 of hunting. The Morning Temperature was in the 30's. I came prepared this time bringing the Blind I got in my Shopping Spree earlier. So Dallas with his backpack on, all his gear, the decoys, also toted the blind over his backpack. Leaving me with just my Shotgun slung over my shoulder to carry. As we walked I stopped every once in awhile, scouting the area, but really catching my breath. I motioned to him to keep going and by the time I got there he had the blind up already, over my sitting stump.
COOL!!! What a kid...He put out the decoys and continued to his blind. After about an hour of calling Dallas got a response, I heard the gobbles and got ready, but expected to hear a gunshot from Dallas. The Turkey was getting louder, closer, still no shooting from Dallas. Then a Loud Gobble and I heard the wings fluttering. Now I was on alert and my gun raised I saw the Turkey Fly and land on one of the decoys, then heard Turkey talk must of been saying "Get the hell out of here don't you see the hunter with a gun." IT WAS A HEN....The hen then did the Turkey Trot into the dense woods. That was all that happened in the morning hunt. We packed up and went for breakfast, then gassed up and went for mid-day nap. The afternoon hunt was quiet; nothing was stirring not even a mouse. About 4:30 Dallas came to the blind for coffee, after a quick chat he decided he would take a walk to where we drove the car in the 1st scouting trip. I told him it should be over a half mile, and figured he would have done it sooner. Off He went and I snuggled up in the blind. On his way back he called and said he jumped a Tom and it was coming down the trail.
So I was on alert, Blind windows wide open and gun poised, but all I finally saw was Dallas walking toward the blind. I told him that since we're the last ones out and we will be the 1st ones in, to leave the blind up. I told him that we'll hunt the morning and then go fishing in the afternoon. I won the brief discussion that I might later regret.
We went back to the lodge to clean up and change. We decided to watch TV for awhile stalling for dinner. We wanted to catch some of the Tigers.
The TV at Mike's place didn't have the channels that carried them. Now this is something new, we're spending the night, a full nights sleep WOW! We went to the Pub and had Great Hamburgers, watched some of the Tiger Game. Sleep was more important.
THURSDAY.......I don't believe I'm going to admit to this, but here it goes....I woke up at 1:30 AM kind of Hyper-Ventilating, It was pitch black, sitting up I banged my head on the top bunk, my inhaler was on the dresser. Now being the smart person that I am, I put my cell phone on the dresser handle, within arms reach. Grabbed it and opened it and instant light. PHEW!!! No TV No Sound, it felt like I was in a coffin....A couple puffs and I was feeling better. Decided to Pee even though I really didn't need to. I got up at 4:45 and said 15 more minutes, then I heard Dallas yell get up, and I said Ya Ya OK. I woke up at 6:30 saw the coffee was ready and poured a cup, No Dallas....Oh No He got mad and went back to sleep. I looked in his room and he wasn't there. Looked outside and the truck was gone.. I finished my coffee and poured another, feeling sorry for myself. Now Remember I won the argument the day before about leaving the Blind there, so did he go hunting or did he go because he wanted to get the blind. We're supposed to go Fishing this afternoon. Woe is me! I poured another cup of coffee had a few sips and went to take a shower. Got dressed and while finishing my coffee, I watched a guy put his boat in the water. Then watched him catch his 1st fish in front of Mike's place. About a 10 inch Bass.
Dallas got in about 9:30, Seeing or Hearing nothing, but did find a natural blind that someone made up and probably used the 1st week of the Turkey Season. He put on another pot of coffee, and cleaned up for the fishing trip. We loaded the gear, hooked up the boat, and we were on our way. It was about an hours ride to the boat launch and we stopped at a store to get hamburger, package of salami, bread, and propane for lunch on the AuSable River. Dallas put the boat in and loaded it with the gear, "Just sit and relax" he said “This is going to be your easiest day." "Here's the coffee, here's your water, Here's a beer." WOW!! Life is Good...
I had my light camo's on, the sun was out, it was a beautiful day. We started the float down the river. After about a half hour he had one of the fly rods ready to go. As he was casting he would be giving me pointers. And then, He handed me the rod and said it's my turn. I tried a couple casts sitting down, but that wasn't working, so I had to stand. Now you have to have the line out, take it back, then forward, then repeat until you get the line out enough to were your aiming for. Then pull in about 3 inches of line, then move rod to the left, and keep doing this till you get all the line in (this action makes it look like a wounded fish) Then Repeat the process. Now I was beginning to catch on and the boat shifted, and my feet were working hard trying to keep my balance in a 12 inch space. Dallas said you have to put your knees in the stir-ups. NOW you ladies have it easy lying on your back and putting your FEET in the stir-ups. Now I had to put my knees in the stir-ups then I have to have the line out, take it back, then forward,
then repeat until you get the line out enough to where you’re aiming at. Then pull in about 3 inches of line, then move rod to the left, and keep doing this till you get all the line in. It’s like riding a Brahma Bull and fishing at the same time. Now we are heading East and the Wind is in our faces, and you have to get this weightless fly and weightless line through the wind, and don't forget your bull riding. After a while I gave the rod back to Dallas and told him it's his turn. My stomach, side, chest, back, knees, and thighs, and wrist were Screaming at me to take a break. Somewhere up there it says "This is going to be my easiest day." We traded off as we floated down the river noting that the May Flies were floating down with us and the fish were not feeding on them. Up to this point we only had a couple small hits and nothing to show for it. Then like clock work as we made a turn in the river Fish were jumping up all over after the May Flies. Dallas changed flies and caught one immediately, about an 8 inch brown trout. He got out of the boat and caught 3 or 4 more and lost about the same. Meanwhile I noticed a guy wade in from shore and start fishing then another and the area looked like a boat landing was near. While Dallas was wading in the water another boat went by. He asked if I wanted to land one, but my body was already on strike. I told him I was cold and sore and had enough. He moved the boat to a shallow spot to get in, and then it was a 5 minute ride to the boat landing. He got the boat to shore so I could get out and go to the car to warm up, while he waited for the guys who passed us to get their boat out of the water. I looked to see where the car was and it was almost as far as we walked to the Turkey Blind. Then I saw where the bathroom was, I could run there. I opted to take a healthy one and warm up at the same time .He asked why I wasn't at the car I told him it was supposed to be my easy day. The guys just got their boat out so he went to get the car. When he came back he said to sit in the car and relax he'll load the car.
So my first day of fly fishing is over and it was a great experience and I had an enjoyable Time.
Now back to Mike's, unhook the boat, unload the fishing gear, clean up and change clothes and go to dinner. We decided to wait a while so we could see some of the Tiger and Red Wing games.
We went to the Pub and ordered a Pizza, and watched the ballgame, but left as the Wings game was ready to start. 5 O’clock comes quick so sleep is important. WOW! Did I say sleep is important?
FRIDAY.....I had another great night of sleeping, that's 2 in a row. Woke up at 5 AM, poured a cup of coffee, and looked outside. It was Raining, correction it was Pouring. We had another cup, and started dressing. If we go hunting we will be the only thing moving out there. It was getting light outside, still raining. Another cup of coffee, and the rain slowed to a drizzle. LET’S GO...While loading the gear into the truck; we noticed that there was about 3 inches of water in the bottom of the boat. I must of slept good I didn't hear anything. On the way to our stands, the sides of the roads looked like rivers. It doesn't look good for our last hunt. As we walked out I did my usual stopping and scouting the area and catching my breath. This time a lot less stopping, I'm starting to get in better shape. I was right behind him as we neared my sitting stump, and we jumped a deer, that would have been an easy shot from the blind. We set up the blind, put out the decoys, and Dallas went to sit in his new found blind. I was snug as a bug and dry in my Teepee, and was wondering how Dallas was doing. The Rain had stopped. Now if we could just get the Turkeys moving. Its 10 AM Nothing. This Hunt is over. We took some pictures, did some shooting, and packed up the gear. As we walked off we looked back a few times with a look on our faces that said "I'LL BE BACK."
We got back to Mike's Place, loaded the gear, hooked up the boat, and made sure we left the Lodge just as we found it. I took a last walk around, took some pictures, and Marveled at Majestic Beauty of this place. On the Lake, In the Woods, With all the Toys. Mike you’re a Great Man for putting Heaven on Earth.... and.... "A GREATER MAN" for SHARING IT.
What a Great Week, just Dallas and Me in the great Outdoors, Loving it Enjoying it...If this happens to be my last hunt... "IT WAS THE GREATEST ONE EVER."
But if it isn't.... let me quote Paul Neuman....
"I'M BACK"
IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT BRINGING HOME THE GAME....
IT'S ABOUT BEING AMOUNGST THE GAME....
Dallas said we were taking a different way home. We followed the AuSable River all the way to where it emptied into Lake Huron, stopping at one of the Dams, to see if anyone was catching some big Steelhead. I was in awe at how much this looked like we were driving along the Atlantic Ocean, with its Piers, Restaurants, Hotels and Motels, and general beauty. It was a nice ride and we were in Michigan. We got home at 6:30 unloaded the Edge, and that ended the
"PERFECT HUNT"
Now this Trip couldn't happen without the help of my "LOVED ONES" so Thanks to.....
RONI... who saw my interest in a Spring Turkey Hunt and said "DO IT"
Dallas.... who said Hey Let's "DO IT"
LuLu...who said I have school, I'll watch the House and Cat so you two "DO IT"
BECKI & ANDY.... who said we think your crazy, but if you want "DO IT"
and since you will be gone all week, can we send Mom
a ticket to visit us in England... I said sure "DO IT"
MIKE.... who said the Two of you can use my place so just "DO IT"
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART, FOR MAKING AN OLD MAN FEEL YOUNG AGAIN....
THIS IS NOT THE END
BUT THE BEGANNING |
