The incredible part about that is it has helped close the circle of life. For many years we have been hearing from the DNR about over population in the deer herds. Well, hunting for sport and to feed your family is “just what the Dr. ordered!”

I learned to hunt with my Dad as a young kid. But, it’s just been the last few years I have really gotten jazzed up over it. I watch every hunting and fishing program that I can to help improve my skills. I spend time hiking and camping on our hunting land so I know the trails and feeding patterns of the game.

Three years ago I got a CVA Wolf muzzle loader and I can’t say I have much interest in hunting slug any more. What a rush! I have filled my tags every year since becoming a muzzy freak. Hope I continue on that record.

I also recently purchased a 870 express 28 gauge. First shot and it turned out to be a meat gun, as well. What can I say, I can never take full credit for a good shot. Our weapons are definitely as much a part of our success in the field as we are in our skill as a hunter.

OK, so I’ve bragged about my two favorite October thru December weapons. It is September 25th that I am writing this so I am a little focused. If you were to catch me in April I would be talking Walleys.

I do need to mention the importance of handing the passion and skill of hunting down through the generations. My father has taught me, just as his taught him. It was that way as far back as Dad remembers in his family. For food and for enjoyment. But there was always respect for the land, land owners and the law.

There is nothing like crawling into your blind at 5:30 in the morning. Watching the fog roll of the food plot and hearing the world come alive. The owls, blue jays, nut hatches and squirrels are husstling around. Then the pheasants all start to roost. They hate to be wet and want to get up off the dewy ground. So, they start crowing and flying up into the trees. This is as close as you get to God, here on the planet, folks. Here you are in all His majesty, this beautiful world He has created and given to us.

Pretty soon I start to see faint light coming into the sights on my gun. There goes my heart rate. My ears literally start to twitch as I listen for the foot steps of a buck that’s gone stupid from the rut. All he can think of is finding a ripe doe. Food is the last thing on his mind. And he really isn’t going to be watching out too carefully for me either.

The sun is on the rise and I hear the leaves and branches start to rustle. I locate three deer moving into the far end of the sorgum patch. Blank! I’ve lost every thing. I can’t think. I can’t breathe. All I hear is blood pounding in my ears. Now I can’t even see the deer cause my eyes have started to water.

I force myself to take a deep breath and focus on the deer. I start trying to decide which one is the biggest and is moving my way. I take another breath and line up the sights. I keep my breathing regulated and squeeze the trigger.

I can hardly hold it in! I dropped that deer! I know it hit the ground. Now the adrenaline is pounding through me. I want to scream. But, I know to stay quiet and get busy reloading. Dad taught me early on that for some reason the other deer that were there will some times some back.

So, I get out my preload tube with pellets and bullet and shove them down the barrel with the ram rod. I put in a fresh cap and take a breath. OK, get out the bleat, the grunt and get ready. Breathe. And wouldn’t you know it, the brush starts to rustle again!

I’ve got my gun ready and when the deer walks over where the other one is laying I take aim and shoot. Down he goes! Yes!!!!!! I reload one more time and crawl out of my blind to go get a look at my deer. They had dropped 10 feet apart from each other. What a hunt! What till Dad hears his tag is full before 7 am on the first day of the season. A doe and a buck. Not bad for the first year out with a new gun.

If we hurry and get these deer hung by 9 we can get out the meat gun and go after those pheasant that I heard roosting.

Believe it or not, this was my first year getting back into hunting deer. Each year since has been more challenging and even more exciting. The hunting here is a new experience every day. So, bring on the season. I’m primed.

Oh, and if you have room for me there on the generation wild staff I sure would like to share some more stories and get in on some hunts with the wild gang.

The incredible part about that is it has helped close the circle of life. For many years we have been hearing from the DNR about over population in the deer herds. Well, hunting for sport and to feed your family is “just what the Dr. ordered!”

I learned to hunt with my Dad as a kid and sort of left it behind for while. I got back into it a few years ago and really got jazzed up. I watch every hunting and fishing program that I can to help improve my skills. I spend time hiking and camping on our hunting land so I know the trails and feeding patterns of the game.

I turned 41 this year and I’ve been seriously hunting the last 5 years. I got a CVA Wolf muzzle loader and I can’t say I have much interest in hunting slug any more. What a rush! I have filled my tags every year since becomming a muzzy freak. Hope I continue on that record.

I also recently purchased a 870 express 28 gauge. First shot and she turned out to be a meat gun, as well. What can I say, I can never take full credit for a good shot. Our weapons are definitely as much a part of our success in the field as we are in our skill as a hunter.

OK, so I’ve bragged about my two favorite October thru December weapons. It is September 25th that I am writing this so I am a little focused. If you were to catch me in April I would be talking Walleys.

I do need to mention the importance of handing the passion and skill of hunting down through the generations. My father has taught me, just as his taught him. It was that way as far back as Dad remembers in his family. For food and for enjoyment. But there was always resprct for the land, land owners and the law.

There is nothing like crawling into your blind at 5:30 in the morning. Watching the fog roll of the food plot and hearing the world come alive. The owls, blue jays, nut hatches and squirrels are husstling around. Then the pheasants all start to roost. They hate to be wet and want to get up off the dewy ground. So, they start crowing and flying up into the trees. This is as close as you get to God folks. Here you are in all his majesty, this beautiful world He has created and given to us.

Pretty soon I start to see faint light coming into the sights on my gun. There goes my heart rate. My ears literally start to twitch as I listen for the foot steps of a buck that’s gone stupid from the rut. All he can think of is finding a ripe doe. Food is the last thing on his mind. And he really isn’t watching out too carefully for me either.

The sun is on the rise and I hear the leaves and branches start to rustle. I three deer moving in

I have written travel articles and for several other publications. Home telephone number is 4047531582. Mailing address is Juanita Booker, P. O. Box 82363, Atlanta, Ga. 30354. I prefer you call and discuss my selection. Thank you! Nothing like the outdooors and fresh air!!!~