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Angels among us
Seeing the “Spirit of the Hunt” section, I decided to share an experience. Me, (a little background) being in Boy Scouting for many years, 5 of which I was the Scout Master for a local troop. So needless to say, I spent more time in the forests than in my home. – Very enjoyable times – never to be forgotten.
Several years ago, I decided to spend a few extra vacation days and do some “doe” hunting – back when we had 2 and 3 day seasons. All friends or family had to work or go to school, so off I went alone – always to be discouraged to do so by my loving wife. But I always and still do have the confidence to go a field alone.
Here’s what happened … it was a long winter’s day on a mountaintop along the Clarion River – one of my favorite places since I was a kid. I was perched on a high rock that yielded easy viewing in all directions most of the day. Good spot but no deer so far. Towards the last couple hours of daylight, I decided to check out a couple other favorite sites that were high above the laurel.
On my way, it started to get dark early and the snow hit, large snowflakes so huge it made visibility almost impossible. The snow lasted for about a half hour and cleared up. I thought this was perfect for the last day of doe season. I found a nice rock, not a familiar one, but it sufficed to see above the laurel.
Close to 4:15, it was starting to get dark, a noticed a hunter approaching me. Not even carrying a firearm. I thought great! The last few minutes of the season and this guy, probably a Game Warden, wants to chat. After a couple kind words from the fella – “have you been out all day? Seen any? Etc.” By that time I figured I had better make my way back down the mountain to my truck along the Clarion.
The fellow was quick to point out the Clarion and route 949 was 180 degrees opposite the direction I pointed. I questioned, are you sure, because it was getting dark fairly quick. He replied “yep, I’m an old timer here in these woods and the clarion is over wonder”. I went to check my compass, great; it was still in my scout backpack from the previous week’s camp.
Having my doubts of his directions, I scanned the mountain top again and turned to tell the fella I think he’s wrong. He was gone. I climbed back up the rock and he was not to be seen anywhere in the laurel. I wanted to say thanks.
After on the ground I decided to turn about, taking the old timers advice, and head for the river. After trekking 10 minutes of uncertainty, I found familiar landmarks to take me over the mountain down to my truck along the Clarion. That half hour snow storm really turned me around.
Still chokes me up and gives me watery eyes …. So yes! Angels are among us!
Seeing the “Spirit of the Hunt” section, I decided to share an experience. Me, (a little background) being in Boy Scouting for many years, 5 of which I was the Scout Master for a local troop. So needless to say, I spent more time in the forests than in my home. – Very enjoyable times – never to be forgotten.
Several years ago, I decided to spend a few extra vacation days and do some “doe” hunting – back when we had 2 and 3 day seasons. All friends or family had to work or go to school, so off I went alone – always to be discouraged to do so by my loving wife. But I always and still do have the confidence to go a field alone.
Here’s what happened … it was a long winter’s day on a mountaintop along the Clarion River – one of my favorite places since I was a kid. I was perched on a high rock that yielded easy viewing in all directions most of the day. Good spot but no deer so far. Towards the last couple hours of daylight, I decided to check out a couple other favorite sites that were high above the laurel.
On my way, it started to get dark early and the snow hit, large snowflakes so huge it made visibility almost impossible. The snow lasted for about a half hour and cleared up. I thought this was perfect for the last day of doe season. I found a nice rock, not a familiar one, but it sufficed to see above the laurel.
Close to 4:15, it was starting to get dark, a noticed a hunter approaching me. Not even carrying a firearm. I thought great! The last few minutes of the season and this guy, probably a Game Warden, wants to chat. After a couple kind words from the fella – “have you been out all day? Seen any? Etc.” By that time I figured I had better make my way back down the mountain to my truck along the Clarion.
The fellow was quick to point out the Clarion and route 949 was 180 degrees opposite the direction I pointed. I questioned, are you sure, because it was getting dark fairly quick. He replied “yep, I’m an old timer here in these woods and the clarion is over wonder”. I went to check my compass, great; it was still in my scout backpack from the previous week’s camp.
Having my doubts of his directions, I scanned the mountain top again and turned to tell the fella I think he’s wrong. He was gone. I climbed back up the rock and he was not to be seen anywhere in the laurel. I wanted to say thanks.
After on the ground I decided to turn about, taking the old timers advice, and head for the river. After trekking 10 minutes of uncertainty, I found familiar landmarks to take me over the mountain down to my truck along the Clarion. That half hour snow storm really turned me around.
Still chokes me up and gives me watery eyes …. So yes! Angels are among us!
