Kentucky Here We Come...A Dreamrider Story
May 27, 2020 18:39:12 GMT -5
via Tapatalk
ncountry, harley08, and 1 more like this
Post by p on May 27, 2020 18:39:12 GMT -5
Kentucky here we come.
The early morning peace was suddenly shattered with a huge commotion occurring on the other side of the small stream only 30yrds from where I was sitting in my tree stand. Instinct had me hastily picking up my bow ready to shoot the large buck I was certain was running my way. But instead a wild eyed fawn appeared racing across a small clearing hotly pursued by a huge Coyote. The dog was every bit as large as the fawn and had deadly intent written all over it, long tongue lolling out of his gaping jaw, huge teeth flashing in a vicious killing smile. As I watched he suddenly extended his stride closing the gap with deadly intent, and then they were gone.
“Go little one” I whispered to myself. But my hopes fell on deaf ears when suddenly they were back in front of me. The dog had turned the fawn; and the gap had closed to only three yards. Out of desperation the little one launched herself into a pool in the small stream. But alas the pool was way too small and without hesitation the dog hurled himself at the unfortunate fawn. The near side bank was obscured my view and all I could see was the occasional sighting of his head as he started to savage the fawn.
Without hesitation and in desperation I fired an arrow just over his constantly moving head. In confusion he backed off a few yards, but seeing no danger he poised to lunge in again. I let out a piercing scream. This time he ran away a few yards and in total confusion stood still trying to figure out what the disturbance was. But the fawn was just too much of a draw for him and was about to lunge in again. This time I leaped up waving the bow in the air and started a tirade that turned the air blue. It was too much for the beast and without a backward glance he took off for places unknown while I continued screaming abuse at him until he was well gone. I was rewarded shortly after when the fawn leaped out of the water and although favoring her front right leg trotted off in the direction she had come from. With immense relief I wished her a happy return to her mother and a long life.
Reaction to what I had witnessed and with the flow of Adrenalin setting in, and I started to shake from head to toe. We don’t have predators in New Zealand and this was a whole new experience for me. As I sat there in my tree stand the shakes slowly abated, and I started to ask myself if I had the right to interfere with nature. The Coyote may have been desperate to feed a hungry family, but guilty or not I know I would do exactly the same again if a similar situation ever occurred in my presence. At peace with myself I started to think about how I had come to be witnessing nature at its most brutal and it’s most beautiful in this wonderful part of the world..
Later that day I was in the same tree stand when I heard a rustling of dead leaves around behind me. Knowing it was a large bodied deer coming towards me, I froze, hardly daring to breath. The heavy movement came closer and closer and sounded like it would come out directly below the stand. Without moving my head, I swiveled my eyes as far as I could. Ah movement right under the ladder then………………………. Six turkeys strutted Indian file out in front of me, #$@%$#. As I saw the funny side, I let out a laugh, instantly there was an explosion, and turkeys a feathers were flying everywhere. That’s what I love about bow hunting you never know what is going to happen next.
A few months earlier I had been chatting with Killer Midget on SKYPE when he mentioned he was going to hunt the pre rut in Kentucky. I mentioned I had always wanted to hunt White Tail “come with me” he casually said. The seed was planted and in a few short months I was re- united with the friend I had originally met in Bear camp in Alberta four years earlier. The fact that Jay had said he was also coming really put the cream on this trip. He had also been on that Bear trip and Stan and I had enjoyed his company immensely. As Stan and I shook hands in the arrival lounge I became aware of a tall long legged gent hovering close by. Harley (Mike) had accompanied Stan to the airport so he could meet Jay (who arrived an hour after me) and myself. In short order the four of us were sitting around a restaurant table groaning under the weight of huge succulent steaks as we all tried to catch up with each other’s gossip.
With a flourish Harley whisked the bill away insisting he would pay. If anyone gets the chance to meet Harley you will understand what I mean when I say this is a stand up regular guy. It was a real pleasure meeting you Mike. I for one appreciated you going out of your way to come and say hi. He reminded me of a typical old time Western gun slinger, Tall, wide shouldered and narrow at the hip. With a no-nonsense gunslinger look in his eyes.
A much-needed full night’s sleep in a hotel Stan had booked for Jay and I, and we were soon on the long haul up to Kentucky. The hours passed quickly with all the BS and banter coming from Jay and Stan while I, the quiet silent type, enjoyed watching the country side whipping past the window.
The trip passed quickly with only one noteworthy point of interest happening. We had stopped for fuel and a couple of small purchases in a small country store in Arkansas, when I noticed the ugly harridan behind the counter watching us with a disapproving glare. I kid you not, but that woman had the sourest look I had ever seen. Jay whispered “She looks like she hates her job and life in general”. She looked like she had been sucking on green lemons all morning. We were all heading for the door when I on a devilish impulse, turned around and said “Always remember a smile a day keeps the doctor away”. Stan who was just going out the door suddenly rushed for the car. His little legs were a blur as he kicked up a column of dust. He dived in and slammed the door telling us to hurry up. “We gotta get outta here” he said as he gunned the motor out onto the high way. “What’s the hurry” I asked “Geez they shoot people for less than that around here” he said, not taking his eyes off the rear vision mirror for the next few miles. I didn’t tell him that as I walked out through the door I glanced back and wonders of wonders she was actually smiling.
Camp had a very impressive lodge which was filled with eleven hunters. Everyone looked after themselves and chose where they wanted to hunt. Although there were some permanent stands set up, everyone had bought in their own. We quickly discovered they were a great bunch of guys. Some were from Alabama, others from Tennessee etc . I found the wide array of accents bewildering, often struggling to decipher what they were even talking about. But I guess that was a two Way Street as I often noticed a look of total incomprehension flash across their eyes when I spoke. As we first walked in I overheard someone say this must be the “old fella” from overseas. I was just turning around to give him a bit of good-natured lip, when I saw Elkguide standing there with a huge grin on his face. Wait a minute, Lanny you are not supposed to be here. Apparently the bloody fool had just driven 18 hours just to say hi and have a hunt with us. It was marvelous catching up with him again as we had just recently had a great time hunting together here in New Zealand. He had detoured on the way down, where he met up with Whack and Stack and Pbuck. Then onto Blings place where he picked up a huge food parcel. The amount of produce Bling was sending would have fed an army. It was hugely appreciated by all in camp. Thanks mate we felt very humble by your generosity
There was one person of particular note who, when he spoke everyone soaked up what he had to say. Damon had been a Colonel in the USA air force and was a pilot and flight commander in the Helicopter strike force.
He told us that he had still been in training during the first desert war, but was right in the thick of it in the second. Damon had a wonderful sense of humor. He told us that at one stage his commander a single star general came over and asked how he was coping. “Great” replied Damon “I am having a great time and have never felt more alive. Why are you asking? “Damon asked. “Well” the General said “every time you go out you get shot at and have taken more hits than anyone”. Damon said he knew he was taking hits but was having too much fun for him to worry about it. He knew he was bullet proof. If that guy ever wrote a book about his experiences I told him I would be the first to buy it.
The days rolled by in high temperatures with very little sightings of Bucks. I had a small six come in on the first day but too small to shoot. Besides I had fulfilled my dream and that was to meet up with my friends and was happy to just see a deer. Jay saw a nice 160 and Lanny a 135. But the heat didn’t let up. The camp dwindled to just the four of us and the night before Jay and Lanny were due to leave. I knew I couldn’t delay any longer, it was now or never.
Now Stan and I always talked on SKYPE early morning, my time. Stan never failed to comment about my much used and loved blue bath robe. A week or two earlier he asked on open forum if I was going to bring my robe. “No” I said “No room in my bags”. “What are you going to wear” Jay asked. “My birthday suit” I glibly replied. Now this must have put them both in a terrified tail spin. Because on arrival in camp Stan presented me with a Bright pink ladies bath robe stating that Miss Vicky had lovingly spent hours deciding which one to get me. Well there was no way I was going to be seen dead wearing that thing in front of a lot of strangers.
Now it was just the four of us and it was time to model this ludicrous garment. I had an early evening shower then donned the robe, throwing the bathroom door open, I minced out giving, what I thought was a fair imitation of a call girl, and walked slap bang into a stranger . Wait a minute who the H-ll is this I thought. I am not sure who got the biggest shock. As we were both lifting our jaws off the floor, I heard Stan say (over the hysterical laughing) Ray meet “No deer in Iowa” (Jim). I quickly rushed over to the rapidly retreating Jim and shook his hand. As I was doing this I noticed out of the corner of my eye, Jay with his ever present camera. $$$$ the guy, is nothing sacred. I made a hasty retreat and soon came out suitable attired for dinner. Jim later said he wasn’t sure what sort of “camp” he had walked into.
Jim had traveled over three hrs to see us. We sent him on his way after a large dinner and with a couple of tins of Blings produce clutched in his hands. It was great to meet him, and the more I meet the AA members, the more I think what a great bunch of guys, it’s like one great happy family.
The only other thing of note was the evening of the third day, I shot my Doe. Two does and two large fawns came in an hour before dark. I lined up on the largest doe and hit her in the spine. She went down in a heap and I thought it was all over until she started thrashing around. I quickly put another arrow into her, which seemed to do the trick. As I was preparing to get down she kicked out again. Quickly picking up my bow I pulled the string back. Shall I, nuh, shall I, nah, Yes I quickly fired and BANG, In my dithering I had forgotten to load an arrow. This was the first time in 55yrs of hunting I had ever dry fired a bow. That evening was a bitter sweet experience. I had my first white tail and two collapsed cams on my beloved Phoenix.
The next day Stan went into his Aladdin’s cave (cleverly disguised as a large trailer) and emerged with one of his three spare bows, with a little tweaking I was soon back in action. If you ever get the chance to meet up with the infamous Killer Midget, take a little time (actually you will need a lot) to have a look at the gear that guy has got. He has enough to stock a large size pro shop, and no I am not joking. Anyway, thanks Stan you got me out of a hole.
Unfortunately the time to leave arrived (Jay and Lanny had left three days earlier) now it was our turn. The morning of departure was clear and cold with deer running around everywhere. Murphy was having a laugh at our expense.
I won’t bore you with details about my 37hr return home or of the emergency dash to Honolulu to off load a heart attack patient and to fuel up. Adding another 2 1/2 hrs to the 19 ½ hr flight to Sydney. Nor of the 4 hr stopover in Sydney, before climbing into the 373 300 which after the huge airbus felt like a steel coffin for the flight to Auckland NZ.
It did however provide plenty of time for me to think back over the past 12 days. Enormous thanks must go to Stan. From start to finish he wanted this hunt to go well, and it did. He became the kitchen and camp mother all in one. He bought more than enough gear to cope with any problem and for that, Stan I thank you most sincerely.
Killer in the kitchen
Although the heat had a massive effect on the hunting we all had a great time.
To Lanny for surprising me with his inclusion in the hunt and adding to the camp atmosphere. Thanks mate
Lanny doing what Lanny does best
Jay, always a great guy to be around and is always enormously popular in any camp.
It was great and very much appreciated that Harley and No deer in Iowa went out of their way to say hi.
A special thank you must go to a real stand up young man for the enormous food parcel he sent to us. Bling we all felt your pain at not being able to hunt with us. I will never forget your wonderful generosity, thanks mate. And to all you AA members who wished us luck and provided the banter in the lead up to this hunt, thank you all.
I returned home a very tired but happy man.
Written by Dream Rider
This was written back in the Archery Addix days, and I dedicate this story to a great guy, Stan.
The early morning peace was suddenly shattered with a huge commotion occurring on the other side of the small stream only 30yrds from where I was sitting in my tree stand. Instinct had me hastily picking up my bow ready to shoot the large buck I was certain was running my way. But instead a wild eyed fawn appeared racing across a small clearing hotly pursued by a huge Coyote. The dog was every bit as large as the fawn and had deadly intent written all over it, long tongue lolling out of his gaping jaw, huge teeth flashing in a vicious killing smile. As I watched he suddenly extended his stride closing the gap with deadly intent, and then they were gone.
“Go little one” I whispered to myself. But my hopes fell on deaf ears when suddenly they were back in front of me. The dog had turned the fawn; and the gap had closed to only three yards. Out of desperation the little one launched herself into a pool in the small stream. But alas the pool was way too small and without hesitation the dog hurled himself at the unfortunate fawn. The near side bank was obscured my view and all I could see was the occasional sighting of his head as he started to savage the fawn.
Without hesitation and in desperation I fired an arrow just over his constantly moving head. In confusion he backed off a few yards, but seeing no danger he poised to lunge in again. I let out a piercing scream. This time he ran away a few yards and in total confusion stood still trying to figure out what the disturbance was. But the fawn was just too much of a draw for him and was about to lunge in again. This time I leaped up waving the bow in the air and started a tirade that turned the air blue. It was too much for the beast and without a backward glance he took off for places unknown while I continued screaming abuse at him until he was well gone. I was rewarded shortly after when the fawn leaped out of the water and although favoring her front right leg trotted off in the direction she had come from. With immense relief I wished her a happy return to her mother and a long life.
Reaction to what I had witnessed and with the flow of Adrenalin setting in, and I started to shake from head to toe. We don’t have predators in New Zealand and this was a whole new experience for me. As I sat there in my tree stand the shakes slowly abated, and I started to ask myself if I had the right to interfere with nature. The Coyote may have been desperate to feed a hungry family, but guilty or not I know I would do exactly the same again if a similar situation ever occurred in my presence. At peace with myself I started to think about how I had come to be witnessing nature at its most brutal and it’s most beautiful in this wonderful part of the world..
Later that day I was in the same tree stand when I heard a rustling of dead leaves around behind me. Knowing it was a large bodied deer coming towards me, I froze, hardly daring to breath. The heavy movement came closer and closer and sounded like it would come out directly below the stand. Without moving my head, I swiveled my eyes as far as I could. Ah movement right under the ladder then………………………. Six turkeys strutted Indian file out in front of me, #$@%$#. As I saw the funny side, I let out a laugh, instantly there was an explosion, and turkeys a feathers were flying everywhere. That’s what I love about bow hunting you never know what is going to happen next.
A few months earlier I had been chatting with Killer Midget on SKYPE when he mentioned he was going to hunt the pre rut in Kentucky. I mentioned I had always wanted to hunt White Tail “come with me” he casually said. The seed was planted and in a few short months I was re- united with the friend I had originally met in Bear camp in Alberta four years earlier. The fact that Jay had said he was also coming really put the cream on this trip. He had also been on that Bear trip and Stan and I had enjoyed his company immensely. As Stan and I shook hands in the arrival lounge I became aware of a tall long legged gent hovering close by. Harley (Mike) had accompanied Stan to the airport so he could meet Jay (who arrived an hour after me) and myself. In short order the four of us were sitting around a restaurant table groaning under the weight of huge succulent steaks as we all tried to catch up with each other’s gossip.
With a flourish Harley whisked the bill away insisting he would pay. If anyone gets the chance to meet Harley you will understand what I mean when I say this is a stand up regular guy. It was a real pleasure meeting you Mike. I for one appreciated you going out of your way to come and say hi. He reminded me of a typical old time Western gun slinger, Tall, wide shouldered and narrow at the hip. With a no-nonsense gunslinger look in his eyes.
A much-needed full night’s sleep in a hotel Stan had booked for Jay and I, and we were soon on the long haul up to Kentucky. The hours passed quickly with all the BS and banter coming from Jay and Stan while I, the quiet silent type, enjoyed watching the country side whipping past the window.
The trip passed quickly with only one noteworthy point of interest happening. We had stopped for fuel and a couple of small purchases in a small country store in Arkansas, when I noticed the ugly harridan behind the counter watching us with a disapproving glare. I kid you not, but that woman had the sourest look I had ever seen. Jay whispered “She looks like she hates her job and life in general”. She looked like she had been sucking on green lemons all morning. We were all heading for the door when I on a devilish impulse, turned around and said “Always remember a smile a day keeps the doctor away”. Stan who was just going out the door suddenly rushed for the car. His little legs were a blur as he kicked up a column of dust. He dived in and slammed the door telling us to hurry up. “We gotta get outta here” he said as he gunned the motor out onto the high way. “What’s the hurry” I asked “Geez they shoot people for less than that around here” he said, not taking his eyes off the rear vision mirror for the next few miles. I didn’t tell him that as I walked out through the door I glanced back and wonders of wonders she was actually smiling.
Camp had a very impressive lodge which was filled with eleven hunters. Everyone looked after themselves and chose where they wanted to hunt. Although there were some permanent stands set up, everyone had bought in their own. We quickly discovered they were a great bunch of guys. Some were from Alabama, others from Tennessee etc . I found the wide array of accents bewildering, often struggling to decipher what they were even talking about. But I guess that was a two Way Street as I often noticed a look of total incomprehension flash across their eyes when I spoke. As we first walked in I overheard someone say this must be the “old fella” from overseas. I was just turning around to give him a bit of good-natured lip, when I saw Elkguide standing there with a huge grin on his face. Wait a minute, Lanny you are not supposed to be here. Apparently the bloody fool had just driven 18 hours just to say hi and have a hunt with us. It was marvelous catching up with him again as we had just recently had a great time hunting together here in New Zealand. He had detoured on the way down, where he met up with Whack and Stack and Pbuck. Then onto Blings place where he picked up a huge food parcel. The amount of produce Bling was sending would have fed an army. It was hugely appreciated by all in camp. Thanks mate we felt very humble by your generosity
There was one person of particular note who, when he spoke everyone soaked up what he had to say. Damon had been a Colonel in the USA air force and was a pilot and flight commander in the Helicopter strike force.
He told us that he had still been in training during the first desert war, but was right in the thick of it in the second. Damon had a wonderful sense of humor. He told us that at one stage his commander a single star general came over and asked how he was coping. “Great” replied Damon “I am having a great time and have never felt more alive. Why are you asking? “Damon asked. “Well” the General said “every time you go out you get shot at and have taken more hits than anyone”. Damon said he knew he was taking hits but was having too much fun for him to worry about it. He knew he was bullet proof. If that guy ever wrote a book about his experiences I told him I would be the first to buy it.
The days rolled by in high temperatures with very little sightings of Bucks. I had a small six come in on the first day but too small to shoot. Besides I had fulfilled my dream and that was to meet up with my friends and was happy to just see a deer. Jay saw a nice 160 and Lanny a 135. But the heat didn’t let up. The camp dwindled to just the four of us and the night before Jay and Lanny were due to leave. I knew I couldn’t delay any longer, it was now or never.
Now Stan and I always talked on SKYPE early morning, my time. Stan never failed to comment about my much used and loved blue bath robe. A week or two earlier he asked on open forum if I was going to bring my robe. “No” I said “No room in my bags”. “What are you going to wear” Jay asked. “My birthday suit” I glibly replied. Now this must have put them both in a terrified tail spin. Because on arrival in camp Stan presented me with a Bright pink ladies bath robe stating that Miss Vicky had lovingly spent hours deciding which one to get me. Well there was no way I was going to be seen dead wearing that thing in front of a lot of strangers.
Now it was just the four of us and it was time to model this ludicrous garment. I had an early evening shower then donned the robe, throwing the bathroom door open, I minced out giving, what I thought was a fair imitation of a call girl, and walked slap bang into a stranger . Wait a minute who the H-ll is this I thought. I am not sure who got the biggest shock. As we were both lifting our jaws off the floor, I heard Stan say (over the hysterical laughing) Ray meet “No deer in Iowa” (Jim). I quickly rushed over to the rapidly retreating Jim and shook his hand. As I was doing this I noticed out of the corner of my eye, Jay with his ever present camera. $$$$ the guy, is nothing sacred. I made a hasty retreat and soon came out suitable attired for dinner. Jim later said he wasn’t sure what sort of “camp” he had walked into.
Jim had traveled over three hrs to see us. We sent him on his way after a large dinner and with a couple of tins of Blings produce clutched in his hands. It was great to meet him, and the more I meet the AA members, the more I think what a great bunch of guys, it’s like one great happy family.
The only other thing of note was the evening of the third day, I shot my Doe. Two does and two large fawns came in an hour before dark. I lined up on the largest doe and hit her in the spine. She went down in a heap and I thought it was all over until she started thrashing around. I quickly put another arrow into her, which seemed to do the trick. As I was preparing to get down she kicked out again. Quickly picking up my bow I pulled the string back. Shall I, nuh, shall I, nah, Yes I quickly fired and BANG, In my dithering I had forgotten to load an arrow. This was the first time in 55yrs of hunting I had ever dry fired a bow. That evening was a bitter sweet experience. I had my first white tail and two collapsed cams on my beloved Phoenix.
The next day Stan went into his Aladdin’s cave (cleverly disguised as a large trailer) and emerged with one of his three spare bows, with a little tweaking I was soon back in action. If you ever get the chance to meet up with the infamous Killer Midget, take a little time (actually you will need a lot) to have a look at the gear that guy has got. He has enough to stock a large size pro shop, and no I am not joking. Anyway, thanks Stan you got me out of a hole.
Unfortunately the time to leave arrived (Jay and Lanny had left three days earlier) now it was our turn. The morning of departure was clear and cold with deer running around everywhere. Murphy was having a laugh at our expense.
I won’t bore you with details about my 37hr return home or of the emergency dash to Honolulu to off load a heart attack patient and to fuel up. Adding another 2 1/2 hrs to the 19 ½ hr flight to Sydney. Nor of the 4 hr stopover in Sydney, before climbing into the 373 300 which after the huge airbus felt like a steel coffin for the flight to Auckland NZ.
It did however provide plenty of time for me to think back over the past 12 days. Enormous thanks must go to Stan. From start to finish he wanted this hunt to go well, and it did. He became the kitchen and camp mother all in one. He bought more than enough gear to cope with any problem and for that, Stan I thank you most sincerely.
Killer in the kitchen
Although the heat had a massive effect on the hunting we all had a great time.
To Lanny for surprising me with his inclusion in the hunt and adding to the camp atmosphere. Thanks mate
Lanny doing what Lanny does best
Jay, always a great guy to be around and is always enormously popular in any camp.
It was great and very much appreciated that Harley and No deer in Iowa went out of their way to say hi.
A special thank you must go to a real stand up young man for the enormous food parcel he sent to us. Bling we all felt your pain at not being able to hunt with us. I will never forget your wonderful generosity, thanks mate. And to all you AA members who wished us luck and provided the banter in the lead up to this hunt, thank you all.
I returned home a very tired but happy man.
Written by Dream Rider
This was written back in the Archery Addix days, and I dedicate this story to a great guy, Stan.
