1st deer single-handed

[mistwalker 0]

I was out lamping with my deerhound cross last night and as we lamped a rabbit in one particular field, I was reminded of a similar night many moons ago - before the b4n - (although the memory is as fresh in my mind as if it were yesterday) when I lamped this same field with my old bitch (ain't it funny with this type of cross, how they all look so similar? Hell, looking at old photos of the old girl and looking at my current one in the flesh, they could be peas in a pod)

Anyway, back to my tale; it was blowing well with a good helping of H2o from the heavens. We had travelled south of the border to hunt on my mates permission with the intention of lifting a hare or two, although he had seen a few deer on occasion, so we were hopeful. As I entered this field, I saw a pair of eyes looking at us from next to the far away hedge. Thinking it might be a fox I tried the squeaker, but it never moved. So, after a few minutes I thought I'd walk towards it and see what happened. About 60 yds away, I took the red filter off to see a roe doe taking shelter in some long grass next to the hedge! The big girl was duly sent on her way, going wide out of the beam and coming in to push the deer into the hedge. My heart sank when the deer jumped up and the dog paused for a second (she had only run a couple of deer double up before, so I put this down to a bit of a surprise on her part) allowing the deer to jump the hedge and onto a farm track. I felt sure that it would be across the next hedge and away across the fields As the dog ran down the hedge, I went through a gap onto the track but could see nothing so I switched the lamp off, gutted at losing such a simple catch. As I went back to the field and whistled the dog I heard the commotion that told me I was wrong! The deer must have run down the track and re-entered the filed in front of the dog. Now, (and I'm gutted about not seeing what happened next) I don't know the exact story, but when I put the lamp on, there was my big girl with a solid neckhold right next to the far fence I ran as quick as I could to help end things humanely only to discover the lower part of the field was like a marsh (cue sinking in up to my b0ll0cks in the marsh, water over the welly's - the whole bloody lot ) but nothing was stopping me getting to my girl with her first single-handed deer! As I got a hold, the dog and deer bumped into me, landing me on my arse Feck! Could it get any worse? So, soaked to the bone, we got to a drier bit of the field, gralloched the deer and headed for home.

As we lamped the rabbit, I felt sorry that the dog by my side would never experience the thrill of chasing a deer like that. However, as the memory came flooding back so vividly (especially when she made her catch in almost the same spot), my heart started racing, filled with the same buzz - in fact I've been hyper all day at work thinking about it, just as I was all those years ago. So, I looked out my old prints from that night and took a couple of photos with my digi-cam (scanner ain't working - sorry they're not too good) to share my long gone night with everyone. I apologise for telling a tale from so long ago, but, as I've been so happy reminiscing about her first single-handed deer, I thought some of you may like to hear her story and see the pics.

[weejohn 3]

fantastic write up mistwalker at least you have the memories

[lamper12 30]

good read mate a pleasure.....

 

atb.....lamper12

[Guest markbrick1]

excellant post

[skycat 6,174]

Great read and a beautiful dog too: ah well, we can think on to those long lost times can't we.

[stork 1]

Brill read lovly dog what good times.

[rabitin girl 16]

I really enjoyed reading that

[Guest reload]

Really good write up, cheers for sharing your memory's with us.........I hope to read a old story of her doing a single handed daytime!!....a step better than the lamp....

Well done, just the type for the job

[Irish Lurcher 1,013]

What a class read, many thanks.

[mistwalker 0]

.........I hope to read a old story of her doing a single handed daytime!!....a step better than the lamp....b

 

Ah, what a day THAT was! However, if you don't mind, I'll keep that one for another time? Can't have too much excitement at once, eh?

Cheers for the comments guys'n'gals.

FTB

 

 

Kev

[SkeetChamp 0]

Great post really enjoyed reading it and a good catch and dog.

[poacher9991 10]

GREAT POST MATE NICE TO READ MEMORY LANE IS GOOD REMEMBERING THE GOOD OLD DAYS

[bazz 0]

all good

[Guest bezza]

Enjoyed that post mate.

[Guest blue_boy]

fantastic mate cant beet the good old days