Okiecruffler
February 2, 2008, 04:06 AM
We had snow move in this week. A late season snow for Oklahoma and not that impressive, only an inch or so, but still a gift from the Creator on my day off. Wasn’t sure if the van would make it down the country roads, but it was worth the risk. The old girl surprised me and I made it without a slip. I piled out with The 311 in my arms. Pulled 2 of the shot shells out of my pocket and put them where they do the most good. It’s been a long time; I’d forgotten how quiet the woods are after a snow. I walk for a good 30 minutes before seeing any sign of bunnies. Sad, there was a time when you couldn’t take 3 steps without crossing a path of those tracks. I should have seen a few coneys on the drive in, but I saw nothing. I looked around to see if I could find any cover where those tracks might lead. After this year's ice storm there’s plenty of brush around, but the old piles look more promising. I kick one and I’m rewarded with a rain of snow from the branches above. A big squirrel, 2 days on the safe side of the season, has taken offense at my presence. As my gaze is drawn up to him the bunny makes his move from the brush. A good try, but I’ve been here before. That 311 hits my shoulder like it was born there, after 25 years, it damned near was. Like a program I chase, catch, pass, and pull. That 209 primer starts the 18gr of Red Dot that pushes the 1 oz of #4 shot, lead shot, the way the good Lord intended. It’s a strange recipe, but it’s an old recipe and it’s never failed me before. It doesn’t fail me now. Before the bunny even stops rolling another breaks from cover. It’s smaller, faster, but no luckier. I was raised to understand that God gave us 2 eyes, 2 ears and 2 barrels for a reason, and that second barrel shoots as good as the first. A pair of coneys and right quick, I figure it’ll be a great day. I wander around for another 2 hours; see more tracks, but none with bunnies standing in them. By the time I make it back to the van my hands and face are numb, in the old days I wouldn’t have noticed. I notice I only have 5 shells left. I had packed up the old Lee Load all. It’s cheaper to buy bulk shells at the Wally world I told myself. And it may be, but it ain’t the same. Sometimes ritual outweighs coins. I’ll unpack the Lee when I get home. I wipe the 311 down with a towel before I drive off. It’ll probably be our last outing this year. Seasons are closing and the crappie will be biting soon, she has to wait her turn. But I was right, it was a great day. Here’s to hoping you guys had a few great days this week.