Who’s Your Crush?

For the majority of the human population, “crushes” are a part of life. What’s the saying? “If I had a nickel for every time I heard someone ogle over an over-paid, movie star, I’d be rich.”

But, there’s a new group in town, and I’m happy to report that I’m part of their click. We’re definitely not elite, but we are distinct. Yep, this high school class clown finally found a place she can fit in.

We are the diehard bow hunters, and there isn’t a single day that we don’t dream of fall. To us, Hollywood hunks and hotties are a dime a dozen. In fact, I guess one could note that we tend to “crush” on an entirely different species all together; Deer. Maybe the more appropriate term would be ”bucks”.

But, when it comes to each other, where do our loyalties lie? One of the important lessons that I learned as a new hunter many years ago was: Always be happy for your fellow hunter, even and especially when your own season proves less than stellar.

As a hunter, most of my success is due to the good Lord, my husband, dad, and brother. If my brother, Jason is awake and not working his full time job, he’s in the woods. For the past couple years, Jason has had his eye on a particular crush he’s coined, “Studley Dooright”. Back in the spring, he barged through my front door with an enormous smile on his face, but even bigger was the pair of antlers he held in his hands. Studley Dooright, now a 5-6 yr old deer, had made it through the winter.

For the last year, my brother has lived and breathed this one buck. It’s almost been painful to watch. That said, I’ve been praying that S.D. doesn’t walk under my stand this year. I don’t want to have to make the decision that I’ve already prepared myself to make. I will not shoot this deer. Don’t get me wrong. It would be an unfathomably hard choice to make. Maybe, I’m not as diehard as I think I am. But, my brother has worked for this deer.

Maybe someone else will end up with him on their wall, but I’m betting against it. Studley Dooright doesn’t belong to my brother, but I know the history between them. It’s not just because he’s my kid brother, but that he’s a fellow hunter, who I admire and respect. Despite the fact that S.D. is a buck of a lifetime, and would make great wall décor, I refuse to be a hunter who disrupts a history of that magnitude. I will however, be there as soon as I get the call that Studley Dooright is down for an eternal dirt nap.

 

WOMA member Kirstie Pike featured on Bowhunt America’s blogspot The Archeress

Bowhunt America has recently taken the plunge into the electronic world with the release of the web-based version of their acclaimed publication. This online magazine has many great features, all focusing on, you guessed it, bowhunting.  With articles ranging from gear to tactics to shooter profiles, you are sure to find great tips and insights on Bowhunt America. Read more