Rifle Season for Deer Hunting Comes to a Close in Maine

Saturday, November 27th was the final day of rifle season here in Maine. Because of that, two of my boys and I were out in the blind about an hour before sun up. We headed out knowing we were going to have a long day of hunting ahead of us; but that only energized us and fire us up to get out there!

It was a picture perfect late November morning for deer hunting; there were a few clouds on the horizon, a light wind (in our favor) and the temp was about 15 degrees. We were prepared, layers, wool socks, the WHOLE 9 YARDS!

We were out in the woods until after 10am. We decided to go to my father-in-laws house which is located on the edge of the property we were hunting. We had a quick bite to eat, a cup of coffee for me and hot chocolate for the boys and it was about time to head back out.

This time out though, we picked up some help; my 65 year old father-in-law and my teenaged nephew. We all headed out, thrilled at the prospect of getting a shot off at the large 8 pointer which had been spotted all over the property.

We were out there for another 3 hours or so. Plenty of sign, but no deer. We wandered back to the house; another quick bite.

It wasn't long before we were back at it. This time, all of us were set up around a gravel pit which is a prime cut through for the resident deer; and we also set up along an adjoining food plot.

With about 20 minutes of light left, one of my sons signals me from his perch at an edge of the pit that he has a shooter in sight. Unfortunately, no one had a clear shot. I started calling in an attempt to bring him out of the timber. Grunt calling, doe bleats, rattling, snorts & wheezes; you name it, I tried in various combinations. The bruiser stopped to listen and look, but he wasn't leaving the safety of the timber.

And just like that, the last chance of the rifle season was gone!

You would think that I, like most people, might be disappointed at the outcome. But my first thought was; "how cool was that...I just got to experience that whole thing with 3 generations of family...awesome." For me, it solidified what I already knew, hunting is a great family activity.

When we all got back to the house, I asked everyone if they had a good time. You could feel the excitement from each and every person! Instantly everyone was talking about their favorite part of the hunt; it was GREAT!

It was then that I realized we had created some amazing memories today. Memories that we will all treasure for months and years to come. Memories that will drive us to hunt together again and create even more memories.

We decided to take a picture for posterity. I know that no matter when I look at these pictures, I will instantly be transported back to November 27th and the great time I spent with my family doing something I enjoy. I will hear again and again the exhilaration in my youngest sons voice as he told me what new hunting gear he will need for his next whitetail hunt.

If you haven't yet taken the time to experience hunt with family and friends, I would encourage you to do so, don't wait another minute! The experiences and memories will lift your spirits and fill your soul! Happy Hunting!

Deer Hunting As The Winter Rolls In

Here it is, just days before Thanksgiving and the cold is definitely settling in to mid-Maine. With just about a week left to rifle season, I have been trying to get out to the woods at every opportunity.

I was back out before the break of dawn this morning. It was a cold night...in teens and the temperature is on the rise as a storm front is moving in. Most of the state is getting a new blanket of snow. Amazingly enough though, not the first snow fall of the season!

I made my way to a blind, tucked way back in the corner of some thick woods. It is a pinch point leading from a nearby water source to a food source. I am set up, sitting silently as the sky lightens. The sound of the stream rolls along off in the distance.

About an hour or so after sunrise, I start grunt calling. I keep the calling going in 3-15 minute intervals. Unfortunately there is no reply. As I sit patiently in the blind, the weather is changing all around me.

When I first arrived, it was a light snow fall. This had stopped when daylight began to break and slowly transitioned into hail. I could feel the temperature begin to drop. I was never so glad for the many layers I had on and the warm coffee in my thermos!

I knew that the chance of movement was slim with the changes taking place all around me. But I continued my grunt calling anyway.

As I was sitting there listening carefully to the woods around me, I heard it. No, it wasn't a deer or some other animal coming into my shooting lanes. It was the simple calm and awesomeness of the great outdoors. The stream rumbling along was the backdrop for the hail hitting the blind and all the trees around me. It may have been cold, but it was relaxing. A calm came over me; if I were to take my blood pressure, I'm sure it would read that of a person some 20 years younger!

The stresses of life seemed washed away with the sound of the falling hail and rippling stream. Taken away to allow for something great to just wash over me. It made me almost feel guilty for not sharing this moment with my children, but school is definitely a must.

However, it did help me to envision the time I would share with them later this week. After all, Thanksgiving break is upon us, I would be heading out with them to bag this trophy. Hopefully we can all share in the excitement of the hunt!

As much as I would love to have had the opportunity to take a shot at a trophy this morning, I found that this great sport of hunting has provided me more than just the chance to fill the freezer, but the chance to fill my soul. I hope that you take a chance to head out and experience this for yourself and then share it with your family.