A Little Time in Texas

Zeppelin's Ramble On has become the Brantley theme song according to my wife, Michelle. The Christmas holiday has been a whirlwind of travel for us. We've spent a few days doing the family thing, but have been hunting and driving most of the time.

Yesterday evening, just before the stroke of New Year's day, found us pulling into Memphis after a predator hunting trip in Menard, Texas, with my buddy and hunting guide Jeff Whitson, and Michelle's dad, Larry. Though we shot a bunch of critters hunting with Jeff this time last year, things were a little off this year and we only managed a few calling responses.

That's not to say there wasn't plenty to keep us occupied, however. During the day, we sat over feeders waiting for wild hogs. The hogs must have been on the same "don't get shot" plan as the predators, but the deer evidently knew we weren't hunting them. We saw dozens of deer between us, and plenty of bucks. I have to say, I thought when the big 8-pointer above strolled in and fed in front of me for 30 minutes while I sat in a box stand within easy bow range, I thought I'd have to turn my head. But, it was really cool just to see so many animals, particularly in new country. Actually, I was aching nearly as much for a better camera lens as I was for my bow. No doubt about it--Russell Graves' home country is full of whitetails.

Next year, maybe, just maybe, I can chat with Jeff and show up with my bow and deer tags, rather than a varmint gun. At the very least, I'll be carrying a better camera lens.

Will in Tennessee