Deer Hunt 2009

I absolutely LOVE the deer hunt! I have always hunted Norther region which for the Stuart family tradition consists of starting early morning on the Middle Ridge. Then we always headed to Dairy Ridge. TRADITION. This year was a little different as those two areas are now CMW areas. So we stayed local, meaning town and surrounding fields. Dad and I rode around the night before the hunt and ended up seeing 5 little bucks. I always have hopes of bagging a great big buck and this year was no different. I told myself that night before the hunt that I wasn't going to be shooting any of those little bucks. HMMM. Saturday morning, Dad, Maureen, Earl, Hayes, Kalon, and I all loaded up before dawn and headed to Cox's pasture. We didn't see a deer, let alone a buck. Dad took a shot and missed a HUGE coyote that just stood and looked at us. We drove around and saw a few does and fawns and then rode over the hill to the creek to take a look at a couple of little bucks that were walking over by the hill. 4 pt. and a 2x3 pt. Maureen was closest to the door so she got first shot on the 4 point. One shot, and the buck behind hers started running. What the heck. One shot. Two bucks-two bullets. Who can complain about that? Anyway, it's been a few years since we've had venison so I'll just be happy that we have some meat. Plus, it's always fun to hunt!

Hayes had a ball!
Kalon didn't know what to think of gutting the deer! (That's NOT a smile)

After the deer hunt ended at 7:30am, we went fishing down on the river. We didn't have any luck but it is always fun to try. Then, we picked up Grandma Stuart and Uncle Dick and headed out to Sessions for a hot dog roast. The weather was perfect! We walked down to where an old mine shaft was and picked up a lot of petrified shells that pretty much made up the mountain.

Lauree making popcorn and my cute, cute grandma.

After our picnic, Earl and I took Kalon fishing up to Hardy and Linda's pond. Holy FISH! Kalon skunked us. He caught about 12 huge trout. It was the only time that I have EVER seen Earl enjoy fishing. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day!