Opening Day

Luke 19:39-40 KJV "and some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master rebuke thy disciples (40) and he answered unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out"

What is it about opening day? I am not sure, but it seems a lot of my attention span the last 44 years or so has been on the events of both upcoming and previous opening days. There is some sort of magic in that day that captures the imagination of a lot of guys and gals across this country.

I have spent time in the woods opening day when it was sunny and 55 degress, and also in "ice storms" when it was too cold to think about. I have even spent a couple during severe thunder and lightning storms and torrential pouring rain. In retrospect, I guess I loved them all. Some more than others of course, but I wouldn't trade any of them for a day at work.

Many of those days resulted in taking a buck and/or a doe. Others resulted in coming home empty handed. I would rather take a nice buck opening day, but I never considered my days afield a waste of time simply because I did not take a deer.

There is something about being outdoors on a deer stand, on a cold, crisp, clear morning watching the darkness give way to the dawn's early light that stirs something way down inside of you. You can't really describe it to someone who doesn't hunt, and it is more than just the anticipation of taking a nice buck. When you hear the crunching of crisp autumn leaves, with perhaps a light blanket of snow on top; and you realize the first deer of the day is approaching, you sort of feel at one with your ancestors. I will be carrying a modern in-line ML capable of putting 3 shots into around 2.5 inches at 150 yards, while they more than likely used a flintlock, but still, there is that tie that binds you to those who went before you.

I pray if the Lord tarries, that my sons and daughters and also yours will continue to be able to experience the magic of opening day.

Dan www.gunsandoptics.com