Memories
My visit and hunt at Kimbolton, Ohio with Dan and Karen at Whitetail Inn, was an experience that I and my family will always hold close to our hearts. The reason for my visit was to harvest my buck deer and also enjoy my surroundings and nature's bounty; maybe, hunting is just a reason we give ourselves to be out there. In the morning, from your stand, you see the Sun coming up. First, the sunlight touches the tree tops and then works its' way down to the forest floor, waking up the little critters and they soon start moving about. You also kinda' wake up to all of this beauty.
At the other end of the day, the Sun is going down and remits from the ground. Slowly, the sounds in the woods begin to quiet down, the critter activity slows, and a peace comes over the woods. Gradually, the Sun goes down and darkness settles over your location immediately.
I saw and felt all of these sensations during my visit at Whitetail Inn . In addition, I was offered the opportunity to harvest an animal from the preserve to help manage and maintain the healthy deer herd that is raised there. This was made possible with cooperation between Whitetail Inn and Wildlife Live, a non-profit organization. This was very exciting but carried with it a more serious responsibility; given that the chances of success were pretty good and you want to do well.
During the hunt, everyone must be very quiet and still or we could spook the incoming deer. Finally, my quarry came into view but wandered out of sight from our advantage point. Slowly, the guide opened a small door on the side of the hunting and observation barn, there he was in full view. I was able to aim, fire, and strike the buck deer in the right spot. We watched this huge buck run a short distance and drop down into a small stream. A sudden feeling of remorse came over me that was not easy to shake, I really felt bad that I had ended the life of this magnificent animal. My son and I said a short prayer, paying homage to this creature; afterward I felt somewhat more relieved. His flesh will be consumed and the antlers mounted in respect for his being.
Also remarkable were the surroundings here. Since this is a game preserve and our quarters are located inside the compound, the deer herd roamed all around. It was common place to see five or ten deer walking aound from a distance most anytime. The deer are very wild, especially the bucks, they like to stay away hundred yard or more. Don't misunderstand these are very wild animals but more, than usual, accustomed to seeing humans like seeing a farmer do his chores each day.
Finally, I should add that I have an incurable cancer living inside me that eventually will take my life; only the timing will be in our creator's hands. At the same time, I believe that I have been able to come to terms with God's will and have told him, so. This brought immediate relief to my heart and a new outlook to my daily life. I no longer think about this situation too much other than to keep doctors appointments, take medication, etc; I pray a lot, and ask God for strength to accept his will and be ready when the time comes. Otherwise, I feel good and carry on with my life on a day to day basis; always looking ahead and finding ways to be happy. Forturnately, I have a loving family who are always beside me. I am blessed. My advice to anyone; "NEVER GIVE UP AND TRUST IN GOD".
(These short notes were written the day after Ed shot the big Six point buck, the buck was aged at eight years old. His dream of harvesting a big buck was fulfilled on October 14th, 2008 with one of his sons.)
***On January 20, 2009, Ed VanDoren passed away to be with his creator. Just three months and five days after his dream of a life time came true.
Wild Life Live Preserve