Christmas tree hunting
The rocky, moss-covered logging road is covered with yellow needles released from Western Larch as the forest prepares for a long, snowy winter. Green trees that camouflage as pines during the warmth of summer change rapidly during short autumn days. Needles lose color; turn light green then flaxen before slowly dropping to the ground like golden snowflakes.
I step softly, heal first, attempting to hide my sound from the silent forest. The needles are soft and make no sound as I continue this journey to my destination. Chickadees lead the way, announcing calmly that I should follow. Chick-a-dee-dee-dee-chick-a-dee each bird calls as it flits 20 feet down the road followed by another bird landing 5 feet in front of the last. I follow.
This dance continues for miles as the little black and gray birds guide my hike with a chirp, call, then intermittent flight into the woods while always returning to lead my travel. I giggle, chuckle, then talk to the birds as one lands a few feet in front of me ensuring I know where to go.
“OK, I’m coming,” I say out loud as the bird lit again down the road.
Today I carry a heavy load; on my back a pack filled with knives, matches, bullets, survival gear, and everything necessary to field-dress a deer, elk or bear. On my hip a Smith & Wesson .357 magnum revolver which makes necessary suspenders to hold up my wool pants from the weight of this heavy gun. On my shoulder I carry a 7 mm magnum long-rifle. This late autumn morning I hunt the North Idaho mountains.
Each step requires special attention to balance my weight, level my load, walk quietly and listen. I listen to hear brush break, a buck snort, an elk bugle or an unexpected rustle in the woods. Every noise requires attention.
Is the sound of two trees rubbing against each other a possible elk moaning, or is it just the wind? Is the squirrel screaming chitter-chatter, warning me of an approaching bear? I pay attention, I listen, and I predict then estimate and calculate each noise with the knowledge of past experiences in the woods.
I hear a distant crack. I stop, lift the binoculars from my chest and glance at the open clear-cut in front of me. Two does search for green grass 200 yards in the burnt forest below where I stand. I sit and remain quiet then continue to watch the deer. They are beautiful!
I watch for 30 minutes as the deer eat, look around, startle, run 30 yards, then eat again. I am offered a gift; a thanksgiving. In this very moment I am thankful to be alive, to be outdoors, to have the ability to walk the 5 miles required to have this experience and thank God for putting me in this place, at this time, to have this experience.
Today I am not a hunter, I’m an outdoorsman. Today I have no desire to kill an animal to fill my freezer and my belly. Today I am satisfied feeling at peace with the Earth. The squirrels, chickadees, deer and Larch needles remind me why I’m alive.
On the way back to my truck, I am hyperaware of my surroundings. I look at every tree, every rock and every mountain peak as if it might be the last time I see such beauty. On this walk, I think of family, tradition and Christmas.
I think of hunting with my dad who loved the hunt, but never found success. I think of my granddaughter who will have her first hunt next year and hope her passion, love for the outdoors and skill as a marksman will guide her to be a great hunter and I hope I will experience many more days like today. This is my Thanksgiving.
• • •
Send comments or other suggestions to William Rutherford at bprutherford@hotmail.com or visit pensiveparenting.com.