A Day In The Life Of A Deer Hunter

White-tailed deer hunting, for me, is a life-long obsession with soaking-up Mother Nature like a sphagnum moss. The deer woods are a magical place where I find solitude and learn a bit more about myself.

You just never know what might appear over the knowl or through the next cedar swale. I find myself back in the historic woods of Fairmont Kenauk in Montebello; where the stands of mature hardwoods and rolling hills beckon and there is just something about the mountains and crisp, cool air to set the stage for the perfect hunt.

4:00 AM: The alarm bell breaks the drone of three snoring hunters, signalling the start of another deer hunt. “Let’s do this right”! I think to myself from under the flannelette sheets. First the java, then some bacon, then eggs, toast, and finally pack a lunch. Although my mind is filled with visions of large-antlered ungulates, I try to stay focused.

4:50 AM: As we nibble on the last few slices of half-charred toast, a plan is hatched. “With a fresh snow on the ground, we should explore the territory for deer movement.” suggests elder Morrison. Since age and experience carry more weight during a deer hunt, at 76-years old and 64 deer seasons to his credit – we all agree.

5:30 AM: I fall into my role as team catalyst and gadget guy. Deer scent dispensers’ refilled, two-way radios checked for battery power, and GPS units accounted for. Three neat piles are laid-out on the kitchen table.

6:25 AM: We begin our ‘recon’ of the territory using the fresh snowfall to our advantage, a map & GPS also at the ready. If there are any deer around, we should know right away.

6:45 AM: Down the road, the clearly visible claw marks in the snow confirm the presence of Ursus Americana. Although bear attacks are rare, just knowing they’re around sends a chill up my spine.

8:45 AM: After splitting-up and walking a serious of trails, we locate some fresh deer sign. An active ‘runway’ transects a logging road where several fresh doe and fawn tracks can be seen in the mud. 8:50 AM: My father and I locate a good perch to watch for movement, mine is a large moss-covered boulder about 40 feet across. Jim heads back up the road to do a ‘walk through’.

9:40 AM: A red squirrel tears back and forth in a torrent rustling of leaves, stopping to scold me each time for good measure. You’ve never felt utter rejection until being scorned by an angry squirrel!

10:00 AM: A familiar ‘thumpity thump’ sound comes from up the hill. The silhouette of a deer with its nose to the ground materializes at 75 yards. OMG it’s a buck and a big one too!

10.01 AM: My heart rate jumps into overdrive, as the big mature male sneaks towards me; oblivious to everything but the fresh doe tracks he’s trailing. I quickly find him in my scope and prepare for a shot. The big boy makes the perfect turn to expose his vitals, and the ‘bark’ of my trusty 30-06 Mauser echoes through the mountains.

10:15 AM: I kneel beside my beautiful 12-point trophy in admiration. I estimate his age at 4.5 years with a large body, symmetrical crown and forked brow tines.

1:35 PM: After field-dressing the buck and having a bite to eat, we head deeper into the wilderness to escape in quiet reflection.

4:30 PM:  Darkness closes-in over the Kenauk forest; as we make our way back to camp. Between walking the trails, the chattering squirrels, and harvesting a truly magnificent animal; it has been one heck of fulfilling day in the life of a hunter.