First Time Hunter: First Time Squirrel Hater

During the opening of late muzzleloader I had the opportunity of bringing a friend along who had never hunted before. Hunters should jump at the chance to pass on the tradition of hunting, to give outsiders of the sport an understanding of our hobby, our values, and grant them the opportunity to share in the enjoyment of hunting.

On this occasion I hunted alongside my friend in a stand that comfortably seats two. The anticipation and excitement of opening day was upon us. I had seen several does at this spot during general firearms; in fact I had seen a deer in shooting range every time I had hunted the stand. As luck would have it I only caught a glimpse of one deer way out of range during this particular morning. As my friend learned how patient hunters had to be he made an amusing observation, “I have never hated squirrels till now.”

Now I know this sounds as if he was growing to dislike nature, but I feel the opposite, and I believe most hunters would agree. This statement only displays a greater appreciation for the outdoors. Whitetail hunters focus on the slightest sounds and try to locate the perpetrator. It seems nine times out of ten, scratch that, 99 times out of a 100 a sound in the woods turns out to be made by a squirrel. You can quickly become frustrated with squirrels as they disappoint your anticipation of spotting something larger time and time again.

That afternoon there was still no action, except for squirrels of course. The next morning out I was sure we would see a deer. As the day drew on however our luck had not changed. New tactics were in order. My brother had been in a stand close by and we decided to see if he could jump something our way. Just as I had lost all hope for the drive he jumped a deer only a hundred yards from our stand. It had been bedded in thick brush and took off directly for our stand. I made the best deer sound I could as I passed the gun to my friend. The deer froze only fifteen yards away.

“All you have to do is pull the trigger.”

He did, and as the powder cleared the air we could see my friends first deer laying below. He was pumped, and I had a great sense of satisfaction from getting him one. My friend definitely enjoyed this experience and will never forget it. He will take with him a better understanding of hunting and a greater appreciation for the outdoors, even squirrels.