Thread: opening day ...2017

I enjoy nature too and I don't have to kill something to enjoy myself either. Two years ago one cool October Saturday morning, I was just getting ready to shoot a young fox squirrel. When I watched him stop on a limb and scratch, then stretch and yawn, I just couldn't bust him after that. Anyway, I know it's the same old "Foxy" squirrel that I've seen almost every time I pass through that area. He's not one bit scared of me when I see him. I guess he knows I'm not gonna make dumplings with him. He's my friend. I rarely shoot big fox squirrels anyway, too tough.

I've watched deer, squirrels, raccoons, foxes, turkeys, hawks, skunks, rabbits, bobcats, and owls and just enjoyed being out there with them in their world. BUT, when I want some young squirrels to fry or some deer steaks with biscuits & gravy, I harvest what I need and still respect Mother Nature. The only creatures I have no toleration for are hogs and poisonous snakes. Got nothing against an old black snake, but copperheads, moccasins, and rattlers usually don't have the same fate as Foxy does. I did let a big timber rattlesnake go a few years back because it was so docile; I threw sticks at it and tried to make it coil up and rattle, but it never did. I wanted my son to hear it, but it didn't deliver. Wasn't the least bit aggressive and just eased away under a big blown over tree.

I always respect fishing too. I've let lots of big fish go in my time and it doesn't bother me at all to see one swim away. I once caught a one-eyed crappie and turned it loose. It looked like someone took a tiny ice cream scoop out of the side of his face. Green skin had grown over the hole where it's eye had been, but he hadn't let that keep him from eating as he was fat and healthy. I would love to catch that fish again!

Thanks for the nice story and post. Glad you kept your friend from getting a nasty little snake bite. Lucky you were there.

I sure like your story's Ketchn. I had a bobcat walk under my tree stand a few years ago. I've had bear's try to visit me in tree stands on two different occasions. One of those times, it was a momma bear with her cubs in the tree in front of me. That was scary. The one critter I will kill every time is a coyote.

Sent from my LGL62VL using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app

Your're a better man than me. I love killing things!!!

Nice picts

I have no pics or recent experience to speak of, but I do have something to say, much like others have said already. The hunt isn't about the kill, though it always was an extra bonus. My habits were to be where I wanted to hunt for one to two hours before the sun. Many things move in those hours and my best memories are about those times. I've had Bobcat, Gray Fox and several deer within 10' and me just sitting on a stump or the ground. Never had permission to hunt much private land. My joints are giving me what for lately and I gave my daughter my Winchester for Christmas 2 years back. I can no longer give the animal the respect it deserves after the kill by getting it out of where it might have run off to, therefore my ethics keep me as a spectator. I hope to get some time to hunt with a camera this year but more than likely I'll be watching a sunrise while hunting a big old slab that I can do justice with. Hope you all have a stellar season. I'll be the one looking over your shoulder........Skeet.

Now that is an action packed day in Texas!