All day yesterday I sat at my desk watching the snow come down in flurries. By the time I left work, it had accumulated about 2 inches. I drove home thinking of a hot cup of tea, a book, and splurging a little by turning the heat up above 58. But after changing out of work clothes, I took one more look outside... "I've got to go bunny hunting!"

Day light would be gone soon, so I ran back out and jumped in the truck, squeezed into commuter traffic, and headed to a close spot. Driving in, there are no other tire tracks - good sign. I had a strange feeling that either something wonderful or terrible was about to happen. My mind alternately imagined a fresh rabbit cooking in the crockpot, or disasters like breaking my ankle slipping on a snow-hidden rock, far away from any help.

When I arrived, I hurriedly got my bow strung, my quiver and blunts and then started slowly walking through the sagebrush. I saw many jackrabbits, but only a couple cottontails, and they were headed for the hills. My hands were starting to really sting with the cold, and I was getting the idea that every rabbit would tucked in so tight they wouldn't flush if you stepped on one.

Then my eye caught something just slightly out of place in the sagebrush - just a little different texture. Slowly my mind perceived the form of a cottontail, sitting frozen still under the brush, about 10 yards away. I drew carefully, picking for my spot that bright, black eye so intently watching me. I let the arrow go, and I cleary saw it fly to its mark. There was no need to hurry here, it was already over. Not a sound, hardly a kick, instant.

I quietly walked over and picked up the rabbit. I couldn't help but feel a little sad, and I said a hunter's prayer for it. Then, slowly awakening from the intense, special world of the hunt, I looked around and listened. The utter silence, the pristine snow, the waning winter light, all impressed me with a certain imperturbable dignity. This was the perfect kill: quiet and sudden, without disturbing these august surroundings. It was as if a kingly Old Man Winter were watching me sternly, ready to rebuke me for disrupting his domain by taking one of his subjects with anything but the greatest subtlety. I passed his test.

Time seems to stop with a blanket of snow, but even in such sacred stillness, the cycle of life continues. I feel blessed to be not only a witness, but a direct participant.  

This is why I practice, why I spend my time making, fixing, and checking my gear, why I persevere when things go wrong, why I shoot a bow.

super
I had 8 yotes on my main runway this morning and then saw two others near my office--doing exactly what you were doing.  They aren't as subtle as you.  Good going.  
We're thinking of a foray up in spanish Springs this weekend-you up for it?

Good Witnessing there.......VERY well done Kerry        


THANK YOU

Great Story... Thanks for sharing  

That was beautiful Kerry, thank you    
Graham

Great story!  How did you fix the rabbit?

"imperturbable"...now where's my dictionary?

Thanks for sharing!

Excellent, I could even feel it, you just described a perfect hunt.

Great story, and great shot Tamure  

QuoteOriginally posted by madness522:
Great story!  How did you fix the rabbit?

I'd say she fixed it and fixed it GOOD!
BD  

What a great story. Thank You for sharing.

-bm.

Kerry that is one of the best written experiences I have ever read on here. Thank you for sharing it.

Hey T,
Do i smell,an article in TBM,commin up?
Steve,
I cant even read that word.Kerry,actually,Grat,Grad.......Finished High School,and kept on a goin.She even took a test,so big,that it took em over 3 months ta grade it.

QuoteOriginally posted by Big Dog:
 

QuoteOriginally posted by madness522:
Great story!  How did you fix the rabbit?

I'd say she fixed it and fixed it GOOD!
BD    [/b]

LOL.  didn't see that one coming.  I just knew if I asked how the rabbit was someone would have said "dead"....

OUTSTANDING STORY THANKS

Hey, I went to the dictionary for imperturbable.  It says "marked by extreme calm, impassivity, and steadiness."

I felt like I was trailing along unseen while I read that. A true hunter's heart beats strongly in Kerry's domain. Extremely well told, those feelings that we pursue so ardently, and are blessed with when we are so richly gifted in the field.

Thank you, Tamure!
Killdeer  

Thank you for sharing this beautiful story, felt like if I was there too.  Merci !!!

Great story telling! Enjoyed it!