Saturday, December 20, 2008

Being Sorely Tempted


Added on 12/22... A portion of the 'Gang of Twelve' that have been hanging out on the place. That's the 10-point in front with the mom of triplets against my target backer. The 8-point is off to the right and out of the frame. He appears to be slightly bigger than the 10-point. No sign of the 6-point when this was take...

Well, not really so 'sorely,' since I have pretty much made up my mind.

But the Great Spirit is giving me a bad time of it. I can't figure out if I am being tested on my resolve, or being offered a largesse that it would be blasphemy not to accept. I choose to think it's the former.

That ten-point has been back, several times. And today, out back, I saw him again. Distance, 40 yards. 

Then a couple of fat does came across the front yard and when I looked to the right, there was a nice six-point. Distance, 8 yards. 

A little later I went to the back window and scoped the field behind me. Another buck. This time an eight-point, working his way in behind the house and shop. Distance, 25 yards.

When I went out to go to the shop the eight-point was at the edge of the fence that encloses the house and shop, looking straight at me. Distance, 10 yards.

About fifteen minutes later he was prancing across the front, a few yards from the front porch, along with four doe and three pie-faced fawns. I went out onto the porch and spoke to them. He stared at me and then pronked off across the meadow to the east, evidently not appreciating my dulcet tones.

I choose to think I am merely being tempted. It is cold, not going above 10° today. I put corn out for them, not to lure them in but to help them to survive and thrive. My three freezers are full, and despite having two more deer on my tag I have been provided for quite well.

Tomorrow I will put out some more corn for them.

14 comments:

"He's just this guy, you know?" said...

Freezers are full..... that is a good thing. If power quits, there's always the big fridge outside.

Having critters keeping you company... also a good thing. Protein storage thats not costing you a thing, reproduces itself, and stays fresh all on it's own. Best of all, they are a joy to watch in the meantime.

Long as they ain't fouling the porch.... (g)

Anonymous said...

Given the isolation out there, I'd imagine having them drop by makes a nice change. They probably appreciate the food you put out. I'd box this bear up and send it out to you if I could. The old guy is hanging around the fence but hasn't made any attempt to break in. I feel sorry for him, he's obviously hungry, but I don't want him becoming a fixture.

BobG said...

Wonkan Tonka is making sure you have the food if needed.

Rio Arriba said...

I'm starting to think I am spurning a gift!

This afternoon the 8- and 10-point were right in front of the porch grazing and seven does were all around them.

But so far I am holding steady. If I or the pupz were hungry that would be one thing. But we ain't.

I'll just keep putting out corn for 'em and enjoying their visits.

Anonymous said...

Enjoy their visits, I love to hunt as much as any human who ever walked the earth. As someone once said "enough is a sometimes a good concept".Relax and enjoy them.
regards
Dan

mike's spot said...

Any chance we could see some pictures? I'd love to see some of em. Glad to hear your still giving them a pass!

Rio Arriba said...

Have a coupla snaps from the door but haven't downloaded them yet. Will try to do that soonest.

Thanks, all, for your comments.

Gotta tell ya— yes, I do "harvest" them when needed but I like my deer more than I like a whole lotta people I have known. Blasphemy, but true.

Roxie said...

The more I see of some people, the more I like animals! Enjoy their visits.

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas.Rick

Anonymous said...

Just stopped by to say Merry Christmas. I hope it's a good, quiet and restful day out there.

mike's spot said...

Merry Christmas! Any new visits?

Carteach said...

Merry Christmas my friend! I hope you are having a good holiday.

Vinnie said...

Look for the doe that is a little darker than the rest. In better shape, may act a little funny. She is dry, no fawn this year. She is bad for the herd and good for you.

Just sayin...

EgregiousCharles said...

I had a somewhat similar experience; I had to stop shooting to chase a pair of young deer, a 1-point buck and a doe or antlerless buck, away from my backstop while I was shooting. And, I was at 17 yards practicing rapid shooting with my Glock 10mm, not at 300 yards bench-rest shooting and letting the barrel cool between shots. I doubt they made it through many more seasons.