Chasing the country

CHAPTER FOUR: Hunted or being hunted?

A crack from a broken twig under my booth makes the ears of the deer flinch. For a moment in silence, I pray she did not think of the sound for something threatening but her hooves make their way through the wild with a fast sprint.

Damnit. After so many experiences, and then this! It happens, but that does not excuse me for feeling bad for a moment.

The area I am in now has become worthless for hunting now the animal had scared the whole field with my presence. I get out from my crouching position and look over my shoulder where Banshee fasts at a tree a few feet away. She is ready to take me anywhere I want and without any plan of direction, we make way towards a new part of the scarlet meadows.

I let my eyes search for clues of nearby animals through the trees and bushes. Earlier I caught some eastern turkeys, nothing special but I promised to bring in a big piece of meat; Pearson wanted to make something different tonight and asked for my expertise.

Maybe a buck or a wild boar?

They are heavily populated in this area. And ever since the night in the Rhodes Saloon, I got the urge to do my extra best and be an addition to the group.

The way they work as a family, I don't' know what it is but it makes me intrigued.
Of course, I like to keep my option open if I ever want to travel alone again when it doesn't work out. But for now, it is nice to know I can tag along.

The trees are beginning to get tighter and it is time to scout the area more detailed on foot. Pulling back on the reins to make Banshee stop from walking any further and fasting her on a dead tree log.

Charles offered to teach me how to work with a bow and arrow, which I can, but he convinced me to master the art and be more sufficient in the wild. I always choose a gun over a bow and that is pure because I want fast results in the field. But, I will definitely take in on his offer. For now, I equip myself with a rifle gun stocked on split point bullets and make my way into the darker parts of the forest.

Not long after, I discover a small hoof print in the wet mutt and take this as my guide towards my new prey. Could be a deer again, but the possibility that it could be a buck is presence. Time would only tell when I find the creature.

This time I pay more attention to every step, avoid unnecessary noise as much as possible and not make the same mistake again.

A thick bush is blocking the trail and after a short investigation, I decided to go through the bush and follow the animal that way. Soon I see light coming through and before stepping out, I push a few branches aside to see what's on the other side.

The level of grounds goes up to where the height is topped with big stones and boulders. On the top, I spot a big whitetail deer... Sadly she is lying of her side; head hangs from the edge and a group of coyotes is lashed over tearing the flesh apart. This is not my day...

A loud bang. The sound startled me and survival instinct kicks in as I drop towards the ground. The coyotes are spooked by the loud noise and it made them flee from their carcass in seconds.

That was a gunshot, no doubt about it, and a very close one. If there were hunters in the range I would have picked up on them and but I can't recall anybody. Another shot.

No, those were no hunters... when low voices of men come from behind the boulder it becomes clear. The debate of leaving the hiding spot and get the hell out of there is a struggle. My horse is standing a few feet away and could easily blow my cover but before I could make a decision the shadows of the strangers come closer, best to stay put for now.