Headed out to Wilson Shoals for a quick evening hunt. It was a much nicer evening than lasyesterday. A little breezy, but cooler and just a few clouds in the sky. I signed in, headed down the main road, crossed the creek and went up the hill to hunt along the utility line. Heading down the utility line, I eventually cut into the woods. There was a huge valley that I set up on the high side and could see about 150 yards across to the other side. With only about 2 hours, I knew that time was against me. Sitting on the ground was difficult with the severity of the slope. My pack and myself kept sliding down the hill. After about 30 minutes the woods came to life. The area was mostly hardwoods and squirrels were everywhere. I could hear a turkey clucking in the distance, but Georgia doesn’t have a fall turkey season so we ignored him. Down in the valley, a deer could be heard trying to sneak through the leaves. Everything had dried out and moving quietly wasn’t an option. Never coming out into the open, darkness finally gave the win to the deer.
Driving down the gravel road, I spotted three hunters walking. Stopping I found a father with two young boys. I asked if they needed a ride. They jumped in and proceeded to tell me everything they had seen. A deer, two rabbits, a turtle…they were so excited to be hunting with dad. We crossed the creek and I let them out at their car. The polite young men both thanked me for the ride even without a prompt from dad. Whoever said the outdoors doesn’t teach you life lessons, never met a kid that hunts.
Dirt Road Dispatch 