11/12/2024
๐ช๐ต๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐๐ฎ๐ถ๐น ๐๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฐ ๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐ผ๐ป ๐๐ ๐จ๐ป๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐๐ฎ๐ ๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฟ๐ถ๐ ๐๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐ด๐ ๐ฎ ๐ด๐ถ๐ฎ๐ป๐ โคต๏ธ
โTo say the stars aligned last night would be an understatement. Twenty-two years ago, I committed myself to capturing my bow-hunting journey on filmโa path that led me to move to Iowa 15 years ago. Itโs been an incredible ride, to say the least!
Last night was truly special for several reasons. The buck I named โRedemptionโ marks a milestone in my journey, especially after several failed surgeries since 2022. Those who know me best know thereโs no quit in me, but for the past three seasons, I faced limitations Iโd never imagined: daily battles with chronic nerve pain and even that faint whisper of fear we all hate to admit.
With the weather challenging us and temperatures rising, November 9th was a โgo no matter whatโ day. I climbed into the tree at 1 PM, and by 3:30, I couldnโt believe my eyesโhe was in the viewfinder, following a doe. When she showed she still wasnโt interested, he pivoted, quartering toward me with ears alert.
I thought, before he heads off in the opposite direction, Iโll try a grunt. His head snapped upโheโd heard me! After my snort-wheeze, he started marching my way, just like the dream I envisioned when I set up this spot. He closed the distance from 130 yards to just across the creek, barreling down the bank. With no time to lose, I ditched the camera, drew my bow, and at 15 yards, I stopped him right beneath me. As the arrow found its mark, I knew what we had accomplished.
Redemption is a special buck, but this memory will always remind me to never give up. Sharing those moments with close friends who feel like family, and even taking their little one on his first blood trail, made it unforgettable.
I canโt wait to pull together footage from six cameras and share this story with yโall soon! Best of luck out there to yโall as well and God bless!โ
โ CHRIS HUNTER