The Campfire Trail: November 12 - DIY Homestead - Winter's Early Ambush and Deer Scouting from the Easy Chair

November 12, 2022

Day 407 of the Adventure

Just as I expected. Whether you call it "Winter" or not, cold weather sneaked up on us last night and hit us over the head with about an inch of snow! I knew it would get here eventually, but not on November 12. That's just a little too soon for SW Missouri. It melted on the warm bare ground but accumulated on the leaves and other cold surfaces. I suppose the good news is that we are at least ready for it even if we're not real excited about it. The other bit of good news is that it gave us a small amount of white background to contrast against the tan/gray look of Whitetail Deer. Yes, today is the first day of deer season. The giddy anticipation I experienced as a boy and then as a young man has faded for me. However, the same cannot be said for Shelley. She has hunted a time or two but has never had an opportunity to harvest a deer for herself. With deer constantly wandering through, she believed she would have her opportunity this year.

As of the writing of this posting, she has seen several but has not put one in the crosshairs yet. I have no doubt that will change as we go through the day or possibly the week. I laugh (to myself of course) at her quiet excitement, determination and preparation. Our deer stand is nothing more than our unfinished back deck with a camp chair on it. Yet all of the traditional hunting preparation is going into the process. The blaze orange, binoculars, warm clothes, a "sniper rifle" belonging to our son. (Not really a sniper rifle, but just as good) So, a new tradition begins and I suppose will continue as long as Shelley is feeling like she's catching up on lost time in the deer woods. I'm honestly having more fun watching her go through her hunting experience than I would if I were actually doing a hunt myself. My assignment has been to peer out the windows into the woods often with coffee cup in hand. This is absolutely the first time I've ever kept an eye out for deer from the comfort of a warm cabin, wearing slippers, watching football......... You know what. I just need to shut up at this point!.........

Carry On

Adventure Quote: "Here’s to having an excellent adventure and may the stopping never start.” ― Jason Mraz

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