By Savannah

January 6, 2016

I will never forget this hunt with Savannah. At 5am we stepped out to find a cold and steady rain greeting us for our walk into the darkness. The rain glistened from from my headlamp with a bright unnatural light and the steam from our breath lingered in the cold humid air. As we walked deeper into the woods the sounds of wild hogs, distant coyotes and hooting owls began to take on new meaning. Walking at a quick pace, several sets of green glowing eyes were just ahead on our trail. With a slight wind in our face the bedded deer seemed curious about the light but they did not move from their beds. As we passed by we could see their watching eyes, silhouettes and shadows. Turning West and trying to walk quietly through the standing water bog, we made our way down a brushy treeline listening to the hogs in the woods and looking for the perfect spot to set our chairs. No deer blind, no stand, full camo and face masks, Savannah's favorite way to hunt.

We found a familiar spot and quickly setup our seats, lifting our rain ponchos over the chair backs and settling down for the most magical time of the morning hunt. The time when the sounds of the woods and animals begin to take shape and stretch your imagination. As the rain subsided and daybreak began, Savannah grabbed my hand and squeezed to let me know she sensed something very close. Suddenly we heard heavy wings cutting through the wet air with a low and deep sound. Buzzing right over our heads the first big Turkey sailed across the sky just a few yards in front of us. Like planes coming in to land, one after the other, over a dozen turkeys would entertain our first morning light. After watching the Turkey's for a short while, Savannah grabbed my hand and said "Thank you for bringing me out here Dad, and all that you do for me..." That alone was the best moment for me. A short while later, and another great story altogether, the SST left the barrel of the .270 in a hurry. Savannah took her first Buck of the season and her first Spike Buck ever. My harvest was the moment at daybreak and the memory of a lifetime.