Open Season

Well, this year Josh conspired with our Bishop, Bud Wilhelm, and the two of them convinced me and Bud's wife to take hunter safety and hunt with them. "It will be fun, like a double date!" Josh said. Then Bud convinced me that Melanie (his wife) was excited that I would be hunting with them. Before I knew it, I was committed, and Josh rushed me through the hunter safety requirements so that I could get a deer tag. The plan was that Melanie and I would hunt during the rifle season, and by helping us Bud and Josh would get some scouting done for their bow hunt which started three days after our season ended. Well, to sum up my hunting experience: it was surpisingly fun, I froze to death at least once, and I really enjoyed the one-on-one time with Josh. Josh was very considerate--one time I forgot my wool socks, so Josh gave me his. He was trying to make sure that I enjoyed the experience, and the ground was snowy, so he let his feet freeze instead of mine. LOL. The Wilhelms were great, we saw lots of deer, and even though I didn't get a buck myself, Melanie did. Then, during the first week of the bowhunt, Josh arrowed a nice 4x4 that he had been keeping track of. Below are some pictures of our adventures.

Melanie and me with her trophy.

The kids were so excited.

Bud and Melanie, with their oldest daughter Emma


Josh shot this buck from a tree stand, at 20 yards.

During my hunt, Josh told me that he wanted me to get a deer even more than he wanted one for himself . . . but I think that his smile says differently:) He and the kids were grinning all day long.