Hunting Success!

My brother and I got the opportunity to go on the US Army Corps of Engineers annual challenged hunters hunt over the past weekend down in South east Texas. We met up with 19 other hunters from all parts of the state to take part in this event around  Somerville   Lake .  Seems they have too many deer around the camping areas and need to thin out the population because campers are trying to feed these wild animals.  When we arrived Friday, just after noon, I could tell right away this was going to be a good hunt. Russell Meir, with the Corps of Engineers, had everything down like a well oiled machine as he met us at the welcome tent and explained the details of the hunt.  After the orientation, some went to the shooting range while many of us met at a local church where the Somerville Rotary club graciously prepared some hot stew and chili with all the fixins.  …just the ticket for a cold night (and I must say that was some really good sweet tea!).  With our bellies full we made the short drive to our hotel in Brenham for some quick TV and an early night.  We put in a 4 am wake up call but the anticipation of the sunrise and the mornings hunt had both of us up before the call came in and we were on the road shortly after 5.  With Friday’s blistery wind and light snowfall, all the clouds had been blown away so I knew it was going to be cold. The temperature gauge in my truck confirmed it to be a balmy 22 degrees.  Ideal hunting conditions to keep the deer moving but considerably cold for someone not prepared.

Once at the USACE headquarters all the hunters had gathered around the camp fire waiting for a biscuits-and-gravy breakfast being prepared by even more diehard volunteers who braved the cold and early morning.  Grabbing a quick bite it was off to our stand.  It wasn’t long after we settled in before a small 10 point buck walked right across our field of view.  Unfortunately, it was just before sun up so neither of us could see more than a silhouette view.  Burleson county, where we were hunting, has a 13″ minimum spread on antlers and it wasn’t worth taking the shot when I wasn’t sure whether he was a legal buck to shoot.  My brother and I just sat quietly and watched in fascination as he slowly walked into the woods.  Not long after that we had “the girls” begin to come into the feeder, eleven doe in all.   We decided it was time to take a shot at one of the older, bigger ones of the bunch.  As a raised my rifle to the window my heart started pounding and the cold all but disappeared.  I found the right deer in my scope and after a few minutes – waiting for her to turn so I could get a clean shot, and a few deep breaths later – I pulled the trigger.  In a split second she dropped in her tracks.  A while later the guys arrived with the pickup trailer and we made our way back to headquarters where the Somerville Lions club was already busy cooking us hamburgers for lunch.  Turns out the deer I shot was 4 1/2 years old and was a mature deer that was a good choice to cull from the herd according to Stephanie, a wildlife biologist from  Tarleton   State   University doing field work for the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department.

Everything about this hunt was done right.  From the coordination, the sponsors, the great volunteers, and all the physically challenged hunters – I cannot say enough.  With the help and goodwill showed by all involved I was able to get outdoors and hunt again.  I encourage anyone who used to hunt or even if you’ve never been deer hunting before.  Get out and practice shooting and put your name into next years draw.  It’s a great experience and has left me with good lasting memories.  You can bet I’m going to sign up!

My thanks to Paul Grey and Rise Adventures for providing me with the heads-up for this event; and a special thanks to those who make everything possible: Rusty Whitaker, Scott Minchew, John Schmitz and Richard Palacios – my pit crew that keep me going when life’s mechanical problems get in the way. Last but not least, thanks to Russell Meir and all the USACE staff for pulling off another safe and successful hunt, to John Sutherland for putting me on the deer, and thanks to the many, many volunteers that made it a memorable hunt and made us all feel welcome.

Merry Christmas!
Josh Whitaker