Plan Ahead
The antlers made nice handles, but I couldn't budge the mule deer even one inch up the side of the steep coulee. I decided to backtrack, climb out on my own and head back to get my truck. My hope was that I would be able to drive around the coulee and park close to the upper edge. In my truck I found a 10 foot piece of rope, cut it in half, made two loops and tied one on each of the buck's antlers.
Using the loops as shoulder straps, I was able to get into a football lineman type crouch and lunge uphill, dragging the deer a few inches with each lunge. As the thin rope bit painfully into my shoulders with each lunge, I had plenty of time to think about things that would have made this experience better. 1) If I had been both patient and wise, I would have allowed the deer to climb up out of this draw on his own and shot him up on top. 2) If I'd have had a longer rope, I could have used my truck to drag him out. 3) Where were my friends? Two men could have muscled this buck out in 15 minutes.
They say that 'experience is the best teacher.' If that was true, only people who have totaled cars could become Drivers Ed. instructors. Very often it's the WISDOM that comes from OTHER PEOPLE'S EXPERIENCE that is the best teacher. Even so, experience CAN be a good teacher... if we are willing learners. From that single experience I completely changed the way I prepare for solo hunts.
Now I am far more likely to 'consider the cost' before making a decision. How about you? Do you think before you speak? Do you consider the cost before moving forward? Are you wise enough to learn from others? Or do you still insist upon making all of your own mistakes? God tells us that the plans of the diligent lead to success. Plan ahead, count the cost, and you will be blessed! -Pastor Brad
Written on November 24, 2025
Posted in Daily Devotions