Megan, the great deer hunter!

Here is a picture of a doe I took on November 16. Notice something weird in this picture? Yes, that's right! There is a young lady standing with me (shaking hands with the deer for some reason) dressed in beautiful camo but wearing a pink hat. How does something like this happen! Where is the DNR when you need them?

Actually, I am including Megan in this deer hunting story because she was the only one that would help me field dress and drag this deer back to the house. My normal hunting partner (Grant) was sidelined with a sliver (he's only 8, he's only 8...) So, since he had been incapacitated I needed to find another child to hold the lantern and help heave the deer into the trusy ol' wheelbarrow. And who agreed? Megan! What a pleasant surprise.

Of course, I first had to promise her that she didn't have to watch or touch the deer - just hold the light. And how did she do? Other than being a little grossed out a few times, she did great. She even looked cute in camo.

My season ended with harvesting two does - one on our property and one up in Standish while hunting with my uncles. It has been a good season - would still love to see a mature buck during muzzle loader, but I am very happy with the three deer that are filling our freezer.

A vision of the future?

Believe it or not, these are pictures of our 10-year old daughter, Emily. This was her Halloween costume - sort of a Pat Benatar/Joan Jet/Pinky Tuscadero kind of thing going here. (Of course, Emily wouldn't recognize any of those names, all ancient history to her...)

What struck me when I first saw Emmy in this get up was the amazing transformation that can take place when a girl puts on some make-up, some funky clothes, and cops an attitude. As a father my prayer was something like this; "please Lord, I'm not ready for this!"

Thankfully, the night ended with her sitting on the floor in her PJs looking over all of the candy she collected. That night I tucked her into bed, gave her a kiss, and we thanked God for a good (albeit, scary) day.