Last Updated on November 23, 2023 by Terry
I have been Heavenly blessed to live through as many adventures as I have.
I’ll be posting several “Memories” on my blog.
I have included many fishing and travel adventures in my books that are on my web site.
One of these days, I’m going to finish my hunting adventure book. Some of what you will read here will be included.
These stories will be as true as I can remember. However, as a twist, I’m going to write them as if I were “watching” and not actually “living” them.
Somehow that sounds safer.
The year was about 1978. I was solo camping in the White River Refuge. You could see the tee pee I still use to sleep in if you watch my fishing YouTube channel.
I build my tee pee with some cane poles I cut down on the back of my folk’s place. The bamboo patch has been there a while. Some of the poles are over 30’ high!
I wrap the poles with a couple of tarps and secure it with clips from Harbor Freight. I then set up a 10’X10’ canopy from Academy Sports. I dig a fire pit just outside the canopy and “BOOM” instant camp.
I use an old percolator for coffee. Works great.
The refuge hunt is for 3 days only. They have designated camp sites that can accommodate 30-50 campsites, depending on which one you choose.
They let the hunters in about noon the day before the hunt to set up camps and scout for a place for your stand.
I parked in line on the levy about 8am. I was about a half mile from the gate. A few campers have been known to camp on the levy the night before in order to get a good campsite.
Remember, it doesn’t open until noon. A fellow can walk up and down the levy during these 3-4 hours and see a lot of activity. I remember about every third truck had the tail gate down with a card game going on.
I have been known to join in on one occasionally.
As I was racing down the gravel road to East Moon Lake campsite, I was having to block trucks behind me as they will do anything to get ahead. It sucks if you run a little late and get stuck with one of the last few sites, you have to park on the road and walk through other camps to get to your tent.
As I was setting up my tee pee, I heard some commotion about 30 yards away. A couple of guys were laughing as they passed by me heading that direction. The “Commotion” was beginning to draw a crowd.
Turns out, a couple of guys were fighting. Of course it was drawing a crowd, who doesn’t want to see a fight.
By the time I arrived at this one, it had turned into a wrestling match with the contestants rolling around on the ground. Reminded me of a Johnnie Cash song: “Kicking and gouging in the mud, the blood, and the beer”. Although I didn’t see any blood and I don’t think they were drinking.
As I approached, I could see one had the other in a head lock. Some guy was kicking at the two on the ground attempting to break them up. Turns out, they were all three hunting and camping together!
Anyway, they finally were separated, and I found a smile on my face as they immediately went back to setting up their tent, helping each other!
I turned and walked back to my site to finish my tee pee.
Maybe we should take a page out of their book. Sure, have your disagreements, then get back to life.
But maybe figure things out before you end up on the ground “Kicking and gouging in the mud, the blood, and the beer”.
