WHAT'S HAPPENING

Oct
22nd

The Wooldridge boys thin out the deer population in 2009.

The Wooldridge boys thin out the deer population in 2009.

Well with many predictions of a low deer count and a sparse hunting season heading our way, we were to say the least very surprised and pleased with this years hunting trip. Dad and I were to head east as normal this time of year, though we also brought with us my uncle Don and his oldest son Jared Dunning. This would be their second time hunting but would be their first time to eastern Washington for a hunt and neither had ever bagged a buck yet so there was quite a bit of excitement, anticipation and unknown. We arrived to rain and fog which is a good thing, it stirs up the deer and gets them moving which is just what we needed. The rain also helps tremendously with softening up the ground making it easier to be quiet while we are doing the super sneak.

On opening day I was with my uncle Don and we got within shooting distance of a decent 3 x 2. Don with his heart pumping and adrenaline flowing squeezed the trigger and took that sucker down with his first shot! I let out a holler and high fives were flying as we walked up to his first deer.

On day two we were out when my 18 year old cousin Jared spotted a great 3 x 3 with eye guards, we got into position and he also successfully took it down. Great shot Jared! Wow, we were all so pleased and happy as both my uncle and cousin now had gotten their first deer.

Day three rolls around and dad and I are now getting kind of antsy as we head out on the morning hunt. My hopes for a buck of my own and for my father are now better than the first day as we have now successfully bagged two deer. Dad and I split up as he heads down one side of a big ravine and I down the other.

I stray from my original course as something inside me says go look over this other little ridge. I go take a look and there he is, my 4 x 3 which ends up in deer heaven not long after I see him. My uncle is with me and as soon as I get the tag on my deer we here a shot from the direction that my dad is at.

It ends up that he spotted a great 4 x 4 with eye guards and dropped it at 358 yards while it was heading out!! Wow, great shot dad!! Any how, what a great hunting season we have had. What a blessing for all of us to get our deer this year as I was definitely not expecting this to happen. And I sure had a great time with my father as always and it was great to share this experience with my uncle Don and Cousin Jared who are both a kick to be around and great company.
Till next year.