I am catching up a bit today. November 20th, after a week of rain, was a perfect Southeastern Alaskan day to take the Hawken afield. As I hiked in the dark, Orion, the hunter shown over my shoulder. The half moon was so bright my moon shadow accompanied me. I sat in the early morning hours and watched the rising sun chase off the night. First the varied thrushes signaled the dawn, then the ravens. As soon as I could see to enter the forest I navigated to "the spot". I sat and waited for the light to increase so I could see my open sights. I put my Drop Shot call to work. I threw in a Primos Can call or two then a grunt. Suddenly, without sound my old ears could hear a doe stood 15 yards distant. She snapped a glance over her shoulder. My grip on the Hawken tightened. I could see for 30-40 yards behind her, nothing moved. She calmed and began to feed, still snapping a glance over her shoulder from time to time. A fawn finally joined her side. They stayed with me for nearly 30 minutes. In the cool frosty morning I could see their breath. They eventually drifted from sight. I moved through the old growth to the next muskeg. I sat again and let the forest settle surrounding me. The suns rays warmed me. The evaporating moisture from the vegetation brought the forest smells into the air. I sat, called and waited, never waiting long enough. After a bit I rose and took several steps, there was a young buck coming through the trees. He stopped, wondering what I was, it was too late, smoke filled the air. The pack would be heavier on the trip out. Thankful for the meat.