Memories in the Appalachian Mountains

 

Today, we’re excited to hear from Chase Herndon, who has a story that beautifully captures the spirit of tradition, family, and the great outdoors. His annual hunting trip to the Appalachian Mountains with his dad and grandfather is more than just a hunt!

Since I was a young child, I have always looked forward to the Monday of Thanksgiving week. Every year on this particular day, here in West Virginia, hunters all over the state grab their ole’ trusty 30-06, and their blaze orange vest, and they scale the Appalachian Mountains looking for what a Leprechaun would refer to as a “pot of gold”. While I do the same, my trip starts a few days early, as me, my dad, grandfather, and several friends head on a 3 hour adventure, to the secluded cabin, which we call home for the first several days of rifle season. I love this place. Deer are plentiful, the scenery is beautiful, and cell service is extinct! As you all can probably relate, life is hectic, and I don't get to spend as much time with my loved ones as I would like. This trip is one of the few times I get to disconnect from the world, hear stories, laugh, and most of all, spend some quality time with my dad and grandfather. 

As Monday morning approaches, I too, grab my rifle, and I head out to my favorite spot, while my dad follows suit with a camera arm and a handy cam. An hour before light, we head deep down in a valley, where we perch up in a red oak, looking over what I would consider to be one of the prettiest spots I have ever seen. My 74 year old grandfather sits 200 yards east of me, overlooking a beautiful laurel thicket, which the deer seem to always bed in. I always love the feeling of animosity, as I hear deer trampling through the leaves before day break. As light crests the sky, birds are singing, and the frost melts into water, I scan the area, wishing for a nice buck to appear. Whispering back and forth to my dad, reminiscing on old memories, and talking about life.

Nothing compares to these kinds of talks, in this setting. Not even 20 minutes after day break, a shot cracks off in the general area my grandfather was set up in. It was all I could do to stay put for the remainder of my morning hunt! The curiosity of what he had tagged was nothing short of a distraction to my hunt. It was a guessing game the rest of the morning for my dad and I, wondering if Papaw had tagged a spike, or a giant. You never know about him! As the sun rose, deer activity started to pick up for me. Several dogs, a spike, and a couple squirrels fed their way through the bowl, as if we were not even there. A loud grunt ahead of us quickly grasped my attention, and had me reaching for my rifle. I catch the buck, nose to the ground and only inches behind a doe, heading straight towards me. I settled the crosshairs, dad settled the camera, and the loud noise that followed, symbolized something far more than a basket racked 8 point buck. The loud noise of primer striking gunpowder; pushing the 140 grain bullet down-range symbolized food for my family. 

It also created a memory that will be talked about in future years at family gatherings! As my dad and I celebrated yet another successful hunt, we admired the life of a magnificent creature, then proceeded to go check and see if my Papaw had also found some success. To our surprise, he had bagged a really nice buck! The next couple of hours were tough! I dragged both bucks back to camp, where our group gathered around and listened to the story my papaw and I had to tell of how the hunt played out. Our group ended up leaving rifle camp with eight bucks, all having 8 points or better! These are the memories that we, as hunters, never forget!

As I reflect on this hunt, I realize just how special it is. It was not a trophy hunt, nor was it about the hunt at all! It was about exiting the life of reality and enjoying some quality time with loved ones. As you set down at the table for Thanksgiving dinner this year, reminisce on the good in your life and give thanks for those things! One of the many things I am thankful for is that I was introduced to the outdoors and get to enjoy it with my dad and grandfather!

Also… Find someone to take hunting on Saturday morning! You may change their life by doing so.