The Great Deer Hunter

I never considered myself a great hunter... l have hunted rabbits, ducks and deer on various occasions. I enjoyed getting outside but never found any satisfaction in killing animals.

My skill (or lack of it) was evident the last time I went deer hunting. The friend I went hunting with was an experience hunter. He was a strong, husky fellow who was the epitome of the old frontiersman.

We drove in his jeep to a spot in the mountains where we knew there were deer. “You walk down yonder ridge” says my friend and “I will be just over the hill from you.” “If you shoot a deer just yell and I will come and give you a hand”.

After hunting several hours I shot a small buck... I called for my friend but I only received an echo to my yelling. Time passed and the shadows of night started to appear. I knew what I had to do. I had to carry or drag the deer to where we left the jeep. After tugging and pulling the deer through heavy brush I decided that I would throw the deer over my shoulders and carry it to lathes jeep. (I had seen my friend throw a deer over his shoulders with little effort. I had also watched movies where the great hunters would carry out deer and other large animals.) I was on the top of the ridge looking down a relatively steep hill. Facing down hill I thrust the deer up my back and over my shoulders. The shift of weight of the deer threw my off balance. I started to tumble down the still holding the deer on my shoulders. We rolled over and over until the land leveled out and we came to a stop. Failing to carry the deer I dragged the animal for the last three miles where I met miy friend with a grin on his face. Thus ended my hunt. I never hunted deer after that day.