October 9, 2017
First light and my first hunt!
Today I am going hunting with two experienced hunters, my father and brother. I was told that when you begin to learn to hunt it is crucial to have a really strong mentor. I have two. When my father immigrated to Canada he wanted to make sure his family never went hungry. The abundance of food mother nature provided surrounded us with an endless supply. I still remember having my picture snapped next to a skinned deer hanging from the rafters in the garage. Then waiting an eternity to view my photo after they have been developed by the local photo lab just to see if your eyes were open.
This was the circle of life. We ate and enjoyed every part of that animal. It died for a cause and we knew where it came from. Organic in all means and butchered by the one who killed it. Getting ready for this hunt had all the excitement I had when I was smiling in that picture except maybe this time I would be the one with the successful hunt.
Our plan is to hunt for 4 days, first light and then again quitting at twilight. It is October, thanksgiving weekend. We decided to venture out into the Okanagan Region 8-8. Today it is open for mule or white tail bucks. After the recent forest fires in the area we have geared up and crossed our fingers to see any sign of life after destruction. This year the British Columbia has been overwhelmed with the amount of forest fires caused by human and natural causes. This makes my first hunt a little tricky, especially when we are specifically looking for bucks.
The terrain is mostly rugged hill, we are lucky to have our 4×4 Jeep. The two men I am with have assured me that this terrain has supplied them with plenty of game meat for their freezer each year, however this year is different. The terrain is damaged, some small hot spots still smouldering. Climbing into higher altitude allows us to gain hope we will find our buck. Instead we run into a few does and their offspring.
4 days, no buck. Instead I leave with a true understanding of the game I am hunting through their environment. Traveling on this new territory has allowed me to study their vegetation, where they may be bedding and how it may be beneficial for me to return next year and build a deer blind. I’ve returned from my first hunt with no game, physically exhausted but mentally clear.
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