An itch that can’t be scratched
It’s happening again.
That itch.
You know, kinda like you get right there between the shoulder-blades… just a shade too far over to reach with either hand, and just a bit too low to scratch on the door jamb?
Except this itch can’t be scratched with a stick. It’s the itch to go hog hunting.
A friend sent me an email yesterday, letting me know that he was out exploring and passed through one of my favorite hog hunting spots. Up on the hillside, he could see the scars of very fresh rooting. He glassed the spot, and was pretty sure that the work was less than a day old. In the email, he mentioned that he knew this was one of my little honey holes, so he figured I’d head right out there. He wished me luck in his sign off.
All I could do was read the note and shake my head.
There was a time, I suppose, when I’d have ditched everything, called in sick to the office, and loaded the truck. By dark, I’d have been setting up camp. By dawn, I’d be up on top of the high ridge, binos scanning and rifle loaded and ready. By noon, if things went well, I’d be skinning a hog. And if they didn’t, I’d be crawling through the chemise with the .44 in my hand, hoping to find him in his bed.
But that was before I got all responsible and stuff.
I also got home yesterday to find a package had been delivered. I cut the tape and pulled out some samples of a new non-toxic bullet from a company called “Extreme Shock”. I had a plan to test some of this new ammo out on a hog hunt, but at this point it looks like the test run will have to wait.
I’m patient. Or I try to be.
Of course, I should remember that I just got back from almost two-weeks on a deer hunt, and a few weeks before that I spent ten days in Colorado chasing elk.
I just need to wait.
I know I’ll have a chance to do a little whitetail hunting when I go back to NC for Christmas, which, when you think about it, is right around the corner. And come January, my hog hunting begins again in earnest, with a trip to Tejon Ranch in January, probably another in February, and then off to Texas in March.
But waiting is hard. It kinda sucks.
Responsibility …
When did I suddenly grow up?
My condolences!
But let us all know how that non-toxic bullet works – I suspect it won’t be long before it’s legislated, so I’m hoping it’s good.
November 27th, 2007 at 10:06 am
Being an adult is a tough gig sometimes.
Still, as you pointed out, there is a lot of hunting in your future. Just keep focused on that.
November 27th, 2007 at 10:33 am
yeah growing up does suck. Who invented responsibility anyway???
November 27th, 2007 at 11:08 am
Sounds like you’ve at least had a few things to keep you occupied until you can hunt hogs. Hopefully the wait will be worth it!
November 27th, 2007 at 11:22 am
I hear ya! But, responsibility can lead to bigger and better hunts if you play your cards right. At least, that’s what I try to tell myself!
November 28th, 2007 at 2:51 pm
Yeah, I ought to quit whining.
I’m not, actually… just marking time until I get out in the field again. Lots of hunting coming up for me, just over the horizon.
November 29th, 2007 at 8:43 am