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Posted by Heidi Bambach on May 10, 2011 at 6:56 PM 

As the cold air of a Michigan December wraps itself around me, I work my way through the darkness to my blind. The hardened layer of snow crunches below my boots, and I chuckle to myself. All hopes of getting in quietly are dashed! But, the morning is early, and the deer are no doubt still out feeding. After the sun has risen over the woods, I have a few does and fawns work their way through the CREP to the bedding area. None however are close enough for a shot. This is hopefully going to be my first kill with my new muzzleloader, and I want it to be clean!

The main portion of the day passes quietly. I spend the hours silently singing long forgotten tunes in my head, as I watch the bluejays and chickadees. Occasionallly, I see the shape of a fawn pass along the edge of the cedars. This time in the woods, watching the small birds and animals-this is the food that feeds my soul. I never feel cheated in the least if I don't see a deer. It is the feeling that there is something bigger than me, some Higher power. I have learned over the years that Nature doesn't care who you are, She is always willing to share her bounty with you. And my hunger is always satisfied at the end of the day.

With about a half hour of daylight left, I see movement off to my right. My heart does a quick jump, and I feel myself go into predator mode. There are two fawns coming out into the field, and I silently tell them to call their Mother out to join them. Almost as if on cue a large doe emerges from the woodline, with two more does behind her. As they come out into the open area, I slowly set the barrel of the Beartooth Magnum up on the windowsill. One of the does looks towards the blind, and I quickly freeze! I know one wrong move will send them all scattering this late in the season. They have become wary, and that is one of the challenges of muzzleloading. And the thought of a one-shot kill is what lead me to try this weapon. I watch until they are well within range, and pick the doe that appears not to have fawns. As she turns broadside, I pull the hammer back. Slowly lining her vitals up in the scope, I take a slow deep breath. I let it out and slowly squeeze the trigger.

The smoke, the smell, and the roar always startle me, no matter how many times I shoot a muzzleloader, and this time is no different. This is much different than a shotgun, and I try to see which way she runs as the smoke clears. I immediately throw in a speed-load, even though it felt like a really good shot! I watch the deer run off the edge of the field to the cedars. After about five minutes, I slowly sneak from the blind and cautiously walk to the spot where I had shot at her. There is a wonderful amount of blood, tissue, and dark brown hair-all signs of a perfect shot!! Darkness is already closing in on me, so I call Ron and go to wait by the blind for him and Dan to come from the house. They arrive, with the good flashlight and we go to the spot where she had been hit to begin tracking. There is a huge bloodtrail, and the walk is short and sweet. We see the big white belly in the beam of the flashlight, and I run to her. I drop to my knees, pick up her head and say a prayer. I thank God for giving me the chance to take this amazing animal home to feed my Family. I ask that He bless the spirit of the doe.

On the way home, after I have gutted her and she is in the truck, I reflect on the shot. I feel like a female Daniel Boone, and I am incredibly proud of myself for making a perfect shot. I know that this is going to become an annual tradition for me, and I have become a fan of this one shot weapon! I am elated that I have been able to provide the gift of protein to my husband and children. As always though, I feel a twinge of sadness at leaving. The woods call to me everyday. And I feel the pull of the outdoors in my very soul. It is like a constant tug to be outdoors, soaking up all this wonderous glory. My heart aches to be in the woods, and even when I'm at work I can hear it calling to me. Reality however, sets in. But I know that there will be next season, and I'll be ready and eagerly waiting!!