It was early November, and the weather was becoming cold. I had the opportunity for a mid-week hunt due to a recent job loss. The time to get outdoors could not have come at a better time. I made it to the woods about 45 minutes before daylight. I set up on the ground in some tall weeds in the corner of a soy bean field, to my right and a wood line to my back and left.
As I waited for sunrise, there were sounds of ducks and geese from the nearby lake and as sunrise approached the air began to cool and frost fell across the land. The feeling of God being near was so real. I took time to focus on Him and pray for the day and my family as they were preparing to leave for school. Not knowing what the morning would hold I asked God to make my arrow fly true if presented with a shot.
As day light began to appear I made out a form that seemed to appear from thin air. Caught off guard, I was unable to ready for a shot and come to full draw. The deer stopped and looked directly at me. As I studied the animal I was able to make out antlers. Unable to determine the total number of points, I was able to judge the antlers to be high and about two inches outside his ears. As I sat motionless the majestic beast began to walk down the tree line closing the distance. As the deer came closer he could tell something was not right with his territory. Oddly he did not stomp or blow trying to get me to reveal my position. After coming to about 15 yards the deer turned and stepped into the woods behind a large cedar. I started to breath again, remaining still and alert, I knew the deer was near. As I listened I could tell the deer was close and had continued to come down the wood line toward me. I slowly turned to look to my left into the woods. The alert deer was now about 5 yards from me and caught my movement. I heard the deer bolt thru the woods to safety. What an encounter! Now the deer was gone, I replayed the event as I enjoyed the peaceful sunrise and thanked God for allowing me to be part of His creation.