Sondra Rankin's Blogspot
Rifle Season, ’07 Whitetail Madness!
Sondra Rankin

Hello to all my fishing friends, fishing fans!

It's been a long time since my last update. Yes, fishing season has found its way to an end, however, the fever of whitetail deer hunting has me as busy and consumed as ever!

I'll first start with opening day of rifle season. My boyfriend and I took off to his family farm with high expectations and huge smiles! To back up a bit, I must say.... I've had so many deer hunts across this country that totally had me enamored, completely enthralled, but there is no comparison to what I experienced this season! Thank you, Brent, for the opportunity to experience a Livingston County rifle hunt, unlike no other!!

I've been a bit spoiled to the "out-of-town" hunts. Indiana, Illinois...Tennessee, and I've taken some quality deer while on my quest for harvest. I have to say, however, that my "good old hometown", corn fed town in Kentucky was crawling with the monster bucks I was after.... little did I know until now!! I've become spoiled!

Brent and I made our way out early opening morning, a little late, of course, to find ourselves climbing the steps to our stand, (unaware of the night’s surroundings), with three doe in the field before us. They were definitely uninterrupted as we situate ourselves into the small containment we would call home for the next twelve hours!! The doe were only the beginning, friends!!

The rut was on! I would never in a million, gazillion, years, believe the deer would be running as they were. The temperature had been in the 60's, even 70's, but opening morning brought a slight frost that had them feeling, well, frisky!! Typical.

Bucks were chasing does like they were head over "hoof's" in love!! For all you hunters out there, I'm sure there are plenty, (hook us up with a hunt if anybody has any ideas...hint, hint), life was good! Some of us track the fields and thickets, timber, and terrain, our entire lives to find a trophy buck....friends, we saw five wall hangers in one morning hunt! I never had an opportune, ethical shot, (that's how I roll), at any of the "bullwinkles" in our path. But, there was this one. An amazing eight, beautiful height, great mass and a very impressive typical deer....one of the most terrific eights I've ever seen, that caught my eye immediately!! I had my scope up, ready to shoot..... Brent, I love you, but bless your heart! He had his scope on the same deer whispering in my ear, verbatim. "You better shoot, you better shoot, or I'm going to.... shoot or I'm going to".....(oh, those words will haunt me) Ok, long story short, the deer makes his way across the field without a bite in the, well, "vital organs". :) (I was a little rushed, to say the least!!!) Thanks, love!

We saw deer the entire day. Entire day!! There were shooter bucks chasing does all morning! Our spirits were lifted, our adrenaline peaked, and at that very moment as I breathed, life could not have been any better! For all of you who know me as a "fishing fanatic"...there's just something about being "outdoors".... When it comes to fishing, it's no so much about the "catch" as it is the atmosphere. The "land" is just a bonus... Even when it pertains to hunting, there's just something about being "out there", one with nature, controlled, lost inhibitions, motivated, intrigued... It's not about "the kill", but about the beauty of it all. One will never see me exude life as I feel it, unless one sees me in my natural surroundings...God's bounty.

Ok, on with the story!!!

The deer population needs maintained. Statistics show that without hunters, and huntresses, we would be consistently overpopulated and uncontrolled. Not only does the deer population need maintenance, but as a single mother to a child of five, our dinners need to be provided. I took a doe that morning for a management "grocery" deer. She was a mature doe and will feed my daughter and I through some of our more "difficult-off season" times!! There's just something about a harvest which feeds my family that is just the icing on the cake!! God intended us to be bountiful in His creations....I'd like to think I'm an ultimate participant.

As Brent and I continued the day, probably seeing somewhat of 35+ deer in a single morning/afternoon, he walks out. As a team effort, we spotted and decided it was time for the shot. However, this quality, mature buck was a mere 800 yards away...and heading in the WRONG direction! It was then I pulled my rattlin' bag out and began the chimes that would eventually direct him our way. I immediately attained his attention as he turned. Brent patiently and precisely had his scope marking the spot as I meticulously began to rattle. Our deer had changed directions and with intent to fight, and mate, made his way toward our stand nestled high in the tree. Our blood was rushing, knowing that at any moment, we could have a trophy, mature deer stepping into our path. Breathing heavily, our deer made his way. I called him to an approximate 300 yards... (quite impressive considering he wasn't heading toward us), and standing broadside, Brent made his shot.

The deer jumped, bowed up, kicked out his back leg and ran to the tree line.....tail down. Uncertain of his long shot, I assured him it was a hit! I was watching through my binoculars throughout its entirety! An amazing hit it was...... humane and completely ethical. This deer was running dead, by all standards. Brent was able to meticulously aim his cross hairs in the very spot where an instantaneous harvest was, at most, impeccable!

He made it not very far. Life was good, and a long day’s hunt was ended in self gratification and with a feeling of a "job well done". God had provided.

For all of you ladies out there that have husbands or boyfriends, I suggest you get your feet wet at least once and experience the passions that he has. I have so many girlfriends that may frown upon, or immediately degrade our sport, but girls, give it one try! My suggestion is that when you do, open your heart to nature, your environment, your surroundings. If the "sport" of hunting doesn't appeal to you, then bring a camera! Take pictures! I can't reveal to you the feelings you'll experience to have a 100 - 200 hundred pound creature meandering about around you, within feet of your presence. Mark my words, it's a feeling insurmountable to any!!! As mossy oak says....it's not a passion, it's an obsession. ;)

This is my life in the off-season. I haven't cast a line since August. Not to say I don't miss it, which I do tremendously, however, the changes in seasons brings about a "Sondra" that the fishing world hasn't seen!

I will take this time to say that Chevy has offered me, once again, a team position for next season. I will be fishing the FLW Tour '08 circuit, as a co-angler, once again, and a "boater" on the Central Strens. I hope to continue to have your support as you have so graciously given me in the past years.

Fishing is a sport that I have the utmost respect. As I do hunting.... I work hard, diligently, patiently, in hopes to striking that fortune that drives me competitively, in the realm of the bass fishing industry that consumes me. It's a love, it's a drive, it’s a desire!

Life is good. Expectations are high. Love is rich and blessings are plenty.

I'm still anxiously awaiting the day I'm able to meet all of my fans with gleaming smiles and listening ears.

With the holidays approaching, I wish you nothing but peace, serenity, God's grace, and good health. May your winter months be filled with warmth and happiness and may you surround yourselves with the love of family and good friends!

With love, as always!

Sondra Rankin

Paducah, KY