Fall was full of firsts for me! Hunting probably being #1. What a THRILL! (Check out the "trophy" here Hunting Adventures). From purchasing my tag, to putting the meat in the freezer, the whole process was a learning experience. I'll share the story of my buck, just cuz it was so exciting.
It was the second day of the season, and my friend and hunting "guide", Louie called me up. He said we could run out and do a little looking around if I wanted. I said sure, why not. Immediately I got butterflies in my stomach, and probably had to pee a dozen times before leaving the house, I was so excited/nervous!
I met up with Louie (a seasoned hunter, he and his kids have quite the trophies!), and we headed out to our top secret hunting spot, which I'll call "north of town". If you're a hunter in Montana, you'll get the joke :) I loaded up the gun Louie let me borrow, an older 22-250 model that'd taken many deer in the past. I was hoping the luck would hold out for me! Trying not to get my hopes up, I may have even prayed I'd get a buck that day. I don't remember for sure.
As we began the hunt, I peppered Louie with all kinds of questions. He was so patient, and got a kick out of my nerves. I remember him specifically saying, "Now if you see a buck, don't look at the horns. Look for the vitals and take your shot". OK, I can do that. Don't worry about how big it is, how many points...just take a clean shot.
About 15 minutes into our search, we came to the edge of a coulee. The wind was blowing pretty hard that day, so we were hoping the deer would be bedded down away from the wind. Sure enough, across the coulee about 150 yards was a buck. He was bedded down in the grass, staring right at me. I was so surprised to just see him chillin' there!
Louie whispered, "Look, look you see him over there?!"
"Yeah, yeah, I see him! He's laying down, where do I shoot?!"
"Aim right for his neck!"
I'm sure it was only a matter of seconds, but it felt like forever before I actually pulled the trigger. My hands were shaking, I couldn't breathe (pretty sure that's a case of "buck fever" :). I couldn't believe he hadn't gotten up and run away yet! But he didn't.
BOOM!
I got him! Louie asked how many points he had. I laughed, "I wasn't looking! I did what you told me!"
I think I hooted and hollered for a solid 5 minutes. I was giddy. Still shaking, we drove around to where he was. First things first, pictures!
I'm almost ashamed to admit that I didn't do the gutting myself, but having never done it or even seen it done before, I watched and helped where I could. Definitely got comfortable with it by the time hunting season was over however, as I did gut someone else's.
So that's the story! Of the buck anyway...I could spend forever typing up everything I learned and experienced, but this was the best story :) I saved the casing from the bullet I used. The first and only one I'm proud to say.
October we took our AWANA volunteers to Kalispell for the annual AWANA conference. Always a great trip!
And our dress up night at bowling league to celebrate Halloween!
Then there was the holidays...Thanksgiving I spent with Wade and Mandy and their family. They've adopted me as their college student daughter, cuz I'm "home on the weekends". It was the second best place to be, after at home of course. They've been so good to me, I'm grateful to have them in my life.
I played in my first racquetball tournament in December...you can see the pics in the album below!
I played in my first racquetball tournament in December...you can see the pics in the album below!
And the highlight of the holiday season...GOING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS!!!!!! It had been about 6 months since I'd seen the family. It was so good to be home. When Grammy Hipke went home to be with Jesus, I was able to leave Montana early to be with everyone for the services. We sure will miss her, but we're all grateful (and maybe a little jealous) that she is with Jesus now! They say a pictures is worth a thousand words, so here's an album of my time back in NH: It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. And truly it was! :)
Now we've begun a new year...it's weird to look back and see just how much can change in a mere 365 days! I'll be completely honest here; I could go deeper and elaborate on my feelings on the new year, but I don't want to. I'm busy watching the AFC championship game. The New England Patriots are taking on the Colts, and I need to FOCUS! Let me just say that #11 is a good number to wear this year. Edelman is THE man :)
Alright, that's all for now. Love to all!
Now we've begun a new year...it's weird to look back and see just how much can change in a mere 365 days! I'll be completely honest here; I could go deeper and elaborate on my feelings on the new year, but I don't want to. I'm busy watching the AFC championship game. The New England Patriots are taking on the Colts, and I need to FOCUS! Let me just say that #11 is a good number to wear this year. Edelman is THE man :)
Alright, that's all for now. Love to all!
Let 'er Buck!
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