I was excited and a bit intimidated. I had a few hunting stories from Grandpa to draw on, but no one was there to show me the ropes. I anxiously checked my rifle, supplies, and bag of provisions. It wasn’t long before I was setting off into the woods in hunt of a trophy buck.
The morning sun was shining and I had the trees overhead like a canopy of protection. I hiked along the trails at a steady pace and kept an eye out for any signs of game. I even stopped a few times and stood still to survey the environment. I was looking for any clue that could lead me to my target.
After a few hours I had hiked further and further in, unaware of how deep I had gone. Then, there it was…a single white-tailed deer galloping through the still morning air. My heart raced and my hands began to tremble in anticipation. Everything was in place and I was ready for action. I slowly made my way closer and kept the deer in sight.
I moved with a calculated purpose, every movement deliberate and focused. When I finally got close enough, I found a comfortable spot where I knew I could make a shot without startling the deer. I knelt down and aimed my rifle.
I held my breath and felt the cool morning air on my skin as I took aim. I thought of all the hunts that had taken place and all the generations of hunters that had come before me. There was no turning back, I knew this was my moment and it was now or never.
The muscles in my arm tensed as I held my aim and waited for the right moment. Taking my shot and with a loud crack, my target was down.
A wave of relief washed over me and I slowly stood, still not believing that I had done it. I walked over to my prey and looked upon it with wonder and admiration.
After a few short minutes, I was prepared to take my prize back to base camp. I rested it over my should and proudly made my way back. I was filled with emotion and the thrill of my first successful hunt.
This hunting story is one that I will tell my grandchildren years from now. That fateful September day was the start of a lifelong journey, and one that will be remembered for years and years to come.
Story By AI
The American Bowman Chronicles 