The air was very crisp and sharp as I silently dismounted the four wheeler.  I pushed 3 shells into my 7 mag and clicked on the safety.  I eased on the backpack, clicked on the small flashlight and headed out. 

     As I trekked down the narrow path that softly winded through a thick patch of oak, I knew that it was going to be a good morning.  The cool air felt good as I inhaled it as I went along my way.  That night, the temperature had dropped in the teens and it was in the mid 20's as I made my way to the stand.  I could occasionally hear a rustle in the surrounding brush of a lone skunk or coon making his way back to his den.  I finally reached the blind and got settled into the seat.  I leaned the rifle against the wall, set the pack down and waited.  The sun was just creeping over the horizon enough for me to see a faint glow.  The steady squeak of the distant pump jack kept me out of the doldrums.  As the light grew more defined, I could finally make out the figure of a doe and a fawn.  I watched them graze nearer in the food plot.  I unsheathed the camera and snapped some pictures of them.  This is hunting at its best.  You don’t have to shoot anything to complete a successful hunting trip, you need to get out and watch and enjoy nature. 

     I was focused on the does when I spotted antlers coming out of the brush.  My heart rate immediately jumps up and my adrenaline starts pumping.  I shoulder the rifle to see a 10 point.  I steady the crosshairs on him and study him.  He is an awesome symmetrical 10 point that has decent brow tines.  I can see though that he has a skinny neck and tight skin.  I slowly lower the rifle.  I watch them feed in a field.  I realize how lucky I am to be able to be in the great outdoors in the Great State of Texas.  About an hour after the deer have left and nothing else is coming, I silently sneak out of the blind and creep back to the four wheeler.  

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